Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Extent of seagrass in Tauranga Harbour: a comparison of satellite automated classification versus manual delineation of aerial imagery

Author
Shao, Zhanchao; Vaassen, Sanne; Pullig, Mariane C.
Year
2024
Journal / Source
Environmental Research Institute Report for Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Publisher / Organisation
University of Waikato
Number
172
Pages
36 pp
Summary
This report outlines a comprehensive analysis of seagrass extent in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand, using advanced remote sensing techniques. It compares two key methods: satellitebased supervised classification using Random Forest, and manual delineation via aerial photography. The research focuses on mapping the spatial and temporal changes in seagrass habitats, particularly the native species Zostera muelleri, from 1959 to 2024. Complementary to the satellite-based classification method, an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) was developed, enabling users to efficiently access satellite imagery and generate detailed habitat maps.