SLATS methodology

Since the 1990s the Queensland Government has monitored woody vegetation loss due to human-induced land clearing.

The current SLATS methodology includes:

• maintaining a detailed map of Queensland’s woody vegetation extent
• using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery as the primary information source to detect and map clearing activity and new regrowth
• estimating woody vegetation density (i.e. foliage projective cover) and the age of the woody vegetation since it was last disturbed/cleared.

The 2022-23 SLATS report introduced information about the height of vegetation for areas affected by clearing activity based on data from the global canopy height data set published by Lang et al. (2023). This is a 10m spatial resolution estimate of canopy height, based on a model relating Sentinel-2 reflectance to vegetation height data from the space-borne LiDAR from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (or GEDI) mission. A preliminary assessment of these data was undertaken to assess the model’s performance for Queensland, using Queensland-based LiDAR data. This found that the accuracy was acceptable for the purpose of summarising SLATS clearing activity data by broad height categories. Improving on this data set for better height attribution for Queensland’s woody vegetation is a focus of current SLATS research efforts.

SLATS primarily aims to monitor native woody vegetation. However, due to the difficulty of differentiating between native and non-native woody vegetation using satellite imagery, non-native woody vegetation change is also included. This may include exotic pine plantations, orchards or invasive exotic woody weeds.

For details about the current SLATS methodology, refer to Statewide Landcover and Trees Study – Methodology overview v1.3 (PDF, 1 MB).

Reference: Lang, N., Jetz, W., Schindler, K. and Wegner, J.D. (2023). A high-resolution canopy height model of the Earth. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 7, 1778–1789. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02206-6

Peer-reviewed science

The SLATS methodology was the subject of a comprehensive independent peer review in 2021. The review was led by CSIRO and included experts in remote sensing, ecology, and natural resource management.

The review considered the science underpinning the program and its effectiveness in supporting environment and natural resource information requirements. It found that the methods were appropriate and consistent with best practice scientific reporting, and that the program would have ongoing impact for environmental and natural resource management in Queensland.

More information

• Current SLATS reports—view current SLATS reports.
• Current SLATS data products—view and access the current series of SLATS data.
• Previous SLATS data and reports—view and access Previous SLATS data, reports and publications.

Contact

• For general SLATS enquiries, email SLATS_enquiries@detsi.qld.gov.au.
• Find more information about the Joint Remote Sensing Research Program.
• Contact the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development for enquiries about vegetation management in Queensland.