The importance of protected habitats and LiDAR data availability for assessing scenarios of land uses in forest areas

Natura 2000 network is becoming increasingly important for ecosystem services but not all human activities are limited as long as they ensure protection of conservation values. Private owned areas should harmonize biodiversity conservation and other compatible land uses with human activities sustainability. The purpose of this study is to present a methodology for the assessment of urban use capacity considering restrictions presented in a Natura 2000 site in Central Spain (Madrid). This assessment takes the advantages of high-resolution images and point clouds LiDAR data using Object Based Images Analysis (OBIA). Considering different ranges of (i) tree height, (ii) slopes and (iii) the existing protected habitats, six scenarios of Urban use capacity were obtained. A canopy height vegetation was derived, and the maximum height was assigned to each delineated crown polygon tree. The implementation of this methodology proposes the largest potential urban area (Scenario 6) but priority habitats and habitats of Community interest were entirely removed from it. Finally, plots (1000 m 2) with greater or lesser capacity of vegetation coverage change were located. A total of 145 plots (6% of the whole property) with urban use low capacity were located. This methodology can be extrapolated to any protected area that seeks to harmonize biodiversity conservation and human activities.

Automated summary

This study presents a methodology for assessing the urban use capacity in a Natura 2000 site in Central Spain. By utilizing high-resolution images and LiDAR data, the assessment considers various factors such as tree height, slopes, and existing protected habitats. The methodology can be applied to any protected area to harmonize biodiversity conservation and human activities.