Project

SVeBio has two main methodological objectives:

1. MODEL-BASED and design-based MODEL-ASSISTED MAPPING

For an effective management of natural resources and biodiversity monitoring, there is an increasing demand for information on the spatial distribution of forest and dune attributes and their diversity. In this context, wall-to-wall maps represent an indispensable tool which allows a visual overview of the spatial patterns. In this project we will provide MODEL-BASED and MODEL-ASSISTED methods for producing maps of species features (including diversity),  in the context of data available from probability sampling surveys, purposive field campaigns and remote sensing. Interestingly, a connection between the MODEL-ASSISTED and the MODEL-BASED approaches will be proposed (giving rise to a HYBRID modeling approach), by integrating the spatial predictions coming from the model-based/ML approach into the model-assisted interpolators (D4.3). Indeed Thanks to the model outputs, it will be also possible to explore which are the main environmental drivers that affect biodiversity and richness.

2. TOTAL ESTIMATION with data integration and MAPPING HARMONIZATION

The available multiple data sources will also be used to develop theoretical advances in TOTAL ESTIMATION. In a design-based perspective estimation of totals and averages of interest attributes could be performed adopting traditional or innovative estimators taking advantage of purposive data. At the same time, total estimates can be obtained also as totals or integrals of the spatial interpolations. Obviously, the two resulting sets of estimates will differ. SVeBio aims is to develop an HARMONIZATION procedure able to rescale maps in such a way that the total arising from maps will match the total estimates.