Shrub encroachment into arid and semi-arid grass-dominated landscapes has been noted in many parts of the
Southwestern United States. Although it is well known that shrubs have increased over time, we have little
quantitative information related to the rate of vegetation change over a particular time period. Our objective was to
use aerial photos to measure the rate of shrub advance which is influenced by outside factors such as persistent
drought periods and, in turn, has a direct influence on changes in the water, carbon, and energy cycles of these arid
lands.
Document Type:
Scientific Paper
eCognition Understanding Images
