cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/1mnxay
title: Mapping Species At Risk and Of Cultural Value
title: Explore Biodiversity and Land Conservation Importance in Nanaimo Regional District, BC

description: The escalating urbanization and human-induced land use changes have precipitated a global biodiversity crisis, imperiling indigenous ecosystems and cultural heritage. Nanaimo Regional District (NRD) in British Columbia, with its rich biodiversity and Indigenous lands, is facing the challenge of balancing urban development and species conservation. To provide better insights for urban planners and indigenous communities on protecting local biodiversity, the study aims to visualize the biodiversity of the identified species and evaluate the land protection levels by species richness and Land Cover Species Importance Score (LCSIS). The study assigns value to two criteria by importance level to gain the SIS of the identified species at risk and of cultural value. Integrating species occurrence data with land parcels and land cover data to illustrate spatial patterns of species richness and importance level. It reveals that larger rural parcels have higher species richness, primarily located in the eastern part of NRD. Smaller parcels around urban areas, particularly east coastal regions, have higher species richness density. LCSIS value varies across different land cover types. By reclassifying and combining the species richness and LCSIS, the spatial distribution of identified Protection Areas (PAs) is mapped and classified into three classes, high, median, and low. The study also explores the proximity of different classes of PAs to urban areas, to assess if further urban expansion would impact the identified PA. Implications for urban planning are profound. By delineating priority conservation areas and integrating them into land use plans, planners can mitigate the adverse impacts of urban expansion on biodiversity and cultural heritage. This proactive approach fosters sustainable development, preserves vital ecosystems, and honors Indigenous traditions.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/yufb8f
title: Detection and Monitoring of Wildfire-Induced Earthflows: InSAR Time Series Analysis in the Deadman River Watershed, British Columbia

description: This research investigates the efficiency of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) in identifying and tracking changes in earthflow activity and movement post wildfire. The study was conducted in British Columbia's Deadman River Watershed, which was severely impacted by the Sparks Lake wildfire in 2021, increasing the possibility of landslide reactivation and movement. Using InSARderived time series data, earthflow ground deformation velocity was measured before and after the wildfire. Sentinel-1 satellite data was processed through the Alaska Satellite Facility’s Hybrid Pluggable Processing Pipeline (HyP3), R programming language, and the Miami InSAR Time-series software in Python (MintPy) to develop the time series. The analysis successfully identified two large earthflows near Snohoosh Lake and Castle Rock Hoodoos Provincial Park in the Northern region. Both earthflows accelerated in average velocity post-wildfire, with the highest average velocity increase recorded at 8.64 cm/year. The earthflows were located in areas classified as having medium to high burn severity. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of InSAR analysis in detecting and tracking slow-moving earthflows in the region and their potential hazards. The approach used in earthflow detection and monitoring provides valuable data to regional districts and land management agencies, who can implement risk mitigation strategies to protect local communities and infrastructure in the Deadman watershed. The study highlights the potential of InSAR as a cost-effective and efficient tool for post-wildfire environmental monitoring and geohazard analysis.
description: HyP3, 2.0
description: MintPy, 1.5.3
description: Visual Studio Code, 1.88
description: R Studio, 203.06.2
description: ArcGIS Pro, 3.1.2
description: QGIS, 3.36
description: ArcGIS StoryMap: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f16992fe87684e18bb466a211def9481
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/bvuoc6
title: Modelling the Effects of Timber Harvest and Harvest Site Selection on Burn Probability

description: Climate change exacerbates wildfire risks globally, with projections indicating a significant increase in their frequency and severity. This study investigates the impact of timber harvesting on wildfire likelihood, focusing on the Mount Rose Swanson Sensitive Area (RSSA) in British Columbia, Canada. Using the Burn-P3 model, three scenarios were simulated: no harvest, harvest in high fire threat areas, and harvest in extreme fire threat areas. The Burn-P3 model simulates fire ignition and growth to calculate burn probabilities across the landscape. Results indicate that timber harvesting increases burn probability, with the highest probabilities observed in extreme fire threat zones. Within the RSSA, burn probabilities were consistently higher, reinforcing the vulnerability of this area. The spatial distribution of burn probabilities highlights the localized impact of harvesting on wildfire risk. These findings support the hypothesis that even a 5% harvest within the RSSA escalates wildfire likelihood. Notably, harvesting in extreme fire threat areas yields the greatest increase in burn probability. The implications of these results underscore the complex relationship between timber harvest and wildfire risk, necessitating careful consideration in forest management practices. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced approach that balances economic interests with ecosystem resilience and wildfire mitigation strategies.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/icdcdl
title: Comparative Analysis of Forest Canopy Height Estimation using Random Forest and Support Vector Machine Models with Synthetic Aperture Radar and Optical Imagery

description: In this study, the accuracy of forest canopy height estimation was assessed using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), including backscatter and Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR), as well as optical indices derived from optical imagery, and Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models were applied by using canopy heights derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) as a reference for validation. Accurate measurement of canopy height is critical for effective forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change analysis, so this study attempted to address the challenges posed by traditional measurement methods, which are time-consuming and limited in scope. SAR with its all-weather, day and night imaging capability, has the distinct advantage of being able to continuously monitor forest canopy dynamics over a wide area, thus overcoming the spatial time and cost constraints of ground-based observations. Approaches in this study involved pre-processing of SAR and LiDAR data to reduce inherent data inaccuracies, as well as calculating optical indices to facilitate indirect estimation of canopy height. This study provided a comparative assessment of the performance of RF and SVM models using various data integrations, highlighted the higher accuracy was achieved through the synergistic combination of PolSAR and optical indices. The results showed that the data-integrated approach improved the accuracy of canopy height estimation, with the RF model performing slightly better than the SVM model in terms of prediction under the optimal data configurations of the two models in this study. These findings support the advanced application of incorporating remote sensing techniques, validated against LiDAR benchmarks, as a viable strategy for refining forest canopy height estimation, thereby providing insights for forest management and ecological modelling programs.
description: R, 4.3.2
description: SNAP, 9.0.0
description: PolSARpro, v6.0.3
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/qimrly
title: Density Transfer Potential Mapping in Regional District of Nanaimo and Denman Island

description: To address the dual challenges of urban expansion and ecological conservation, this study explores the efficiency of density transfer mechanisms within the Regional District of Nanaimo and Denman Island. Through a detailed analysis using the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI) from Sentinel-2 imagery and Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory data, the study identified potential donor and receiver sites, facilitating a strategic reallocation of development intensity. The findings reveal that density transfer can significantly help with balancing urban development with ecological conservation, thereby supporting the three pillars of sustainability. The research highlights the critical role of accurate ecosystem valuation and the need for streamlined planning processes to enhance the efficiency of density transfers. By effectively identifying high ecological value areas and optimizing urban density, the study offers a visual and quantitative guidance for municipalities to navigate the complexities of sustainable urban planning. Urban densification emerged as a significant consequence, with implications for economic efficiency, reduced per capita energy consumption, and the promotion of vibrant community interactions, however it may also bring potential challenges in green space preservation and social well-being. This study underscores the necessity of integrating density transfer and densification strategies in urban planning to facilitate sustainable expansion while mitigating environmental impact and fostering community resilience. By demonstrating quantitative benefits and addressing the complexities of urban ecosystems, it advocates for informed decision-making in municipal development policies.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/vrd09h
title: Exploring the Feasibility of Individual Tree Segmentation Algorithms on Terrestrial LiDAR Data

description: Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) offers complementary and non-destructive methods for capturing three-dimensional information on forest structure. ITS is an essential process for modern forestry and ecological studies as it enables the precise isolation and characterization of individual trees from surrounding forest, facilitating critical analyses such as biomass estimation and advanced forest structure assessment. This study explores the applicability of two established Individual Tree Segmentation (ITS) algorithms, dalponte2016 and watershed, to TLS data for the assessment of forest structure. Conducted within the David C. Lam Asian Garden of University of British Columbia, the research employed a Trimble TX08 scanner to collect high-density point clouds, aiming to improve urban forest management and sustainability practices. Despite the benefits of TLS’s high spatial resolution and rapid data collection, challenges such as over-segmentation, under-segmentation and occlusion by forest canopy impeded accurate tree stem and understory detection. Both algorithms, traditionally used in Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS), demonstrated limitations when applied to TLS data, highlighting the need for algorithm refinement and the incorporation of machine learning techniques. This study contributes to the literature by critically assessing the performance of ITS algorithms in TLS data processing, offering insights for future advancements in precise forestry inventory. The absence of ground truth data and inaccessibility of ground control points (GCPs) underscored the necessity for a more comprehensive approach with regards to data collection and the validation of tree segmentation methods.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/fcb8rq
title: Balancing Growth and Conservation: The potential of Density Transfer Modelling in Bowen Island's Urban Planning

description: The rapid population growth in British Columbia has led to the necessity of innovative housing solutions. Local municipalities in BC, such as Bowen Island, are exploring the implementation of Density Transfer Modelling (DTM) as a planning tool to address these challenges. The study examines Density Transfer Modelling by Geographic Information System (GIS) application on Bowen Island, managed under the Islands Trust Act, to balance development with ecological preservation. This involves identifying "donor" sites (areas of high ecological value with existing development) to transfer development rights from, and "receiver" sites (areas suitable for increased urban density) using the Normalized Difference Built-up Index and residential density classifications. Two main Comprehensive Development Areas (CDAs) on Bowen Island, Arbutus Ridge and Snug Cove are highlighted. The DTM calculates that this area supports the development of up to 30 additional detached homes in Arbutus Ridge Development Area. The Snug Cove Comprehensive Development Area (Snug Cove CDA) has been identified as a key area for increased residential development with a focus on increasing affordability and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. According to DTM calculations Snug Cove Residential Area supports the development of 2186 dwelling units. The goal of the Snug Cove Development Area is to build a variety of housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, and multi-unit buildings, clustered near essential services and transportation hub(ferry). Both CDAs exemplify how density transfer modellings can be effectively utilized within designated development areas to support sustainable urban planning goals.
description: ArcGIS Pro, 3.2
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/vfme5l
title: Ecological Connectivity Through UBC – An Omniscape Approach

description: Human activities and rapid urbanization have led to habitat destruction and fragmentation, severely impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services globally. This study focuses on the UBC campus, surrounded by the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, to assess and enhance ecological connectivity through the urban landscape. Using advanced remote sensing techniques, including Planet SkySat satellite imagery and British Columbia 2022 LiDAR data, we classified the landscape and identified key habitats. Keystone species were selected based on habitat dependency, observation density, and conservation status, utilizing datasets from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) between 2010 to 2023. The study employed Omniscape, an implementation of Circuitscape 4.0, to model the randomized movement of animals across a resistance-weighted landscape, providing a nuanced understanding of how
urban features influence ecological flows. Our findings indicate that urban areas, especially the central UBC campus, act as barriers and funnel species movement, particularly affecting those with small movement ranges and unique habitat requirements, such as the Pacific Tree Frog and Douglas's Squirrel. The analysis
highlighted areas of highly channelized flows where predicted movement exceeds landscape capacity, leading from Pacific Spirit Regional Park to UBC's Central core. UBC’s Main Mall was predicted to have highly channelized flow across all species and is a critical corridor for conservation and enhancement. Other recommendations for UBC include creating an East West Ecological Corridor, replicating Main Mall’s design. The existing landscape should be intensified by integrating more water bodies and riparian areas to support amphibian species and interspersing shrub planting between trees to expand habitat availability.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/ycu0fy
title: Impact of Forest Age and Forest Type on the Accuracy of Canopy Height Estimation by Synthetic Aperture Radar and Optical Imagery

description: Forest canopy height measurement is critical for forest resources management, several remote sensing techniques have been applied to estimate the canopy height, including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). However, the limited publicly available LiDAR data in British Columbia, limitation by clouds, and the cost create some challenges. To overcome this issue, this study employed publicly available Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 Optical Imagery data with the support vector machine (SVM) model to estimate the canopy height in areas with different forest characteristics in British Columbia, analyzed the influence of tree species composition and forest age on the accuracy of canopy height estimation derived by SAR compared to LiDAR. The result indicates that each study area contained different estimation accuracies, and the accuracy level is affected by forest age and forest type. Overall, the young conifer area obtained the highest accuracy, suggesting that the application of SAR data may rely on a broad range of different forest characteristics within the area. In addition, the integration of SAR data with optical imagery data significantly increases the estimation accuracy, demonstrating the importance of data fusion in remote sensing applications. This research showed the potential of combining SAR and optical imagery in estimating canopy height, encouraging further research on improving the accuracy of the canopy height estimation model.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/w6dmaf
title: Integrating Hydrological Modeling for Sustainable Forest Management: Rose Swanson Mountain, British Columbia
title: Determining Hydrologically Sensitive Areas (HSAs) and the influence of timber harvest on riparian zones.

description: The aim of this research was to identify hydrologically sensitive areas (HSAs) on Rose Swanson Mountain, British Columbia. The region of interest is operating as a timber harvesting area for British Columbia Timber Sales (BCTS) without a comprehensive hydrological map. The absence of this hydrology map puts the topography at risk of forest fires, intensified clearcut logging activities, sediment accumulation in waterways, and impact on soil health. By using advanced geospatial hydrological modeling techniques, the study evaluated the influence of timber harvesting activities on the ecosystem health of sensitive riparian areas. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data was used to create digital elevation models (DEMs) and hydrological processes such as flow direction, accumulation, and stream network delineation were generated and then analyzed. A Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) was produced to identify areas prone to water accumulation, aiding in the mapping of potential sensitive zones with lakes, streams, ponds, wetlands, and rivers. Results highlighted the complex dynamics between timber harvesting and hydrology, emphasizing the need for strategic cut block planning to mitigate environmental impacts. A 20-meter buffer zone around water bodies was recommended to safeguard aquatic ecosystems, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management practices. Spatial statistics provided quantitative metrics for environmental assessment, which looks to guide British Columbia Timber Sales’ (BCTS) decision-making processes in the Rose Swanson Area. The aim of this research is for it to be replicable for cut block planning. It underscores the importance of integrating hydrological considerations into forest management practices to protect sensitive riparian areas and ensure the integrity of forested landscapes. The commitment to prioritizing hydrological conservation through proactive measures will allow for resilient and biodiverse forest ecosystems for generations to come, especially amidst evolving environmental challenges.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/tsrjts
title: Distribution of Berries in response to climate change

description: Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are among the most serious issues worldwide, significantly impacting biodiversity and food security. In Canada, berries such as the Saskatoon berry and Red Huckleberry hold considerable cultural, economic, and ecological value. This study evaluates the potential impact of climate change on the future distribution of these two berry species across four time periods – 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080 and, 2081-2100, focusing on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island as study area. This study is grounded on ecological relationships between each berry species and their specific tree species – Douglas fir for Saskatoon berry and Western Red Cedar for Red Huckleberry. Adopting, a novel approach, this study shifts from using traditional climate models towards species suitability models of respective tree species for species distribution modelling of berries through MaxEnt algorithm. Our findings indicate a poleward shift in the suitable habitats of both, under current emission scenarios, with Saskatoon berry showing greater adaptability to climate effects. This resilience is evidenced by a minimal predicted loss in habitat by the 2081-2100 period, in contrast to the significant decline observed for the Red Huckleberry. Each model was evaluated with area under the curve (AUC score) and all models showed a good fit, with Saskatoon berry models ranging from 0.878 (2081-2100) to 0.891 (2041-2060) while Red Huckleberry models ranging from 0.839 (2041-2060) to 0.843 (2061-2080). This research also highlights the influence of topography on species distribution. The insights gained are vital for informing ecological restoration and conservation strategies, ensuring the sustainability of these important berry species in the face of climate change.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/qdfjfj
title: Supplemental_Materials_Implications_of_partial_healing_in_fault_damage_zones

description: This document contains supplemental information for the manuscript:Implications of partial healing in fault dam- age zones from high velocity dynamic loading experiments
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/pgouf2
title: Wetland Mapping: Application of Supervised Classification Using Random Forest in Wetland Prediction

description: In response to the necessity for enhanced wetland inventories, this study aimed to assess effectiveness of employing high spatial resolution SPOT imagery (1.5m resolution by Planet Lab) for classifying and detecting wetlands in Atlin, British Columbia, Canada. Utilizing the Random Forest Classifier, featured for its capability in handling high-dimensional spatial data, the research aims to contribute to the local understanding of wetland status through advanced raster analysis. The application of the Random Forest Classifier yielded an overall classification accuracy of 86%, underscoring the method's applicability for wetland delineation in Atlin. The generated wetland map, featuring a 10m spatial resolution, integrates topographic, vegetative, and textural indices, presenting a valuable tool for assessing the variable importance in wetland classification. Despite its high accuracy, the study acknowledges the irreplaceable value of field assessments for comprehensive wetland evaluation by ecological uniqueness of wetlands. This research not only demonstrates the potential of high-resolution SPOT imagery in environmental monitoring but also encourages further application of machine learning techniques in the preservation and management of critical wetland ecosystems.
DOI: 10.5683/sp3/ah1jkd
title: Angel Island Cobble Counts and QFL data

description: Supporting data for QFL ratios and clast counts for Angel Island metaclastic units