A GIS-based system for assessing emerald ash borer infestation

该项目的目标是开发一个基于地理信息系统(GIS)的系统，以描述目前在安大略省许多地区普遍存在的入侵的翡翠白蜡虫(Agilus Planipennis Fairmaire)害虫的传播特征并建立模型。我们计划开发创新的方法，以获取有关白蜡树位置和EAB侵扰程度(存在/不存在)的最新信息。将设计和实施一个面向对象和基于知识的分层框架，利用加拿大市政当局最广泛使用的地理信息系统平台--ArcGIS软件，从多源遥感数据中识别个别白蜡树。将描述EAB在区域和地方尺度上的传播空间格局，并将确定控制EAB甲虫传播的关键因素，并明确将其包括在EAB传播模型中。将为研究地点生成EAB风险图，并提出管理方案。*该项目的成果将使人们更好地了解与这种破坏性昆虫蔓延相关的风险，并使人们能够更明智地对其检测、监测和控制做出决定，这将有助于遏制其蔓延，并使当地市政当局能够在其城市树木资源中保存生物量。该项目将制定的方法和框架将推动遥感科学在个体树冠划定、物种识别和地理空间建模方面的应用，并将移交给我们的工业合作伙伴加拿大ESRI公司，以便在其市政客户中实现潜在的商业化。最终，这将带来国家和潜在的国际经济利益。该项目还将为高素质人员提供培训机会，以提高他们在完成教育计划后的就业前景。

The goal of this project is to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based system to characterize and model the spread of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) insect infestation currently rife in numerous parts of the province of Ontario. We plan to develop innovative methods to derive up-to-date information on ash tree locations and the extent (presence/absence) of EAB infestation. An object-oriented and knowledge-based hierarchical framework will be designed and implemented to identify individual ash trees from multi-source remotely sensed data using ArcGIS software, the most widely used GIS platform by Canadian municipalities. The spatial patterns of the EAB spread at both regional and local scales will be characterized and the key factors controlling the spread of the EAB beetles will be identified and explicitly included in the EAB spread model. An EAB risk map will be generated for the study sites and management options will be suggested. ****The outcome of this project will result in a better understanding of the risk associated with the spread of this destructive insect, and allow better informed decisions to be made regarding its detection, monitoring, and control, which will help to inhibit its spread and allow local municipalities to preserve biomass in their urban tree inventory. The methodology and framework that will be developed in this project will advance remote sensing science in individual tree crown delineation and species identification and geospatial modelling, and will be transferred to our industrial partner, Esri Canada, for potential commercialization among its municipal clients. Ultimately, this will lead to national and potentially international economic benefits. The project will also provide training opportunities for highly qualified personnel to enhance their prospects for employment upon the completion of their education programs.