Neo-Pleiades imagery for Posidonia oceanica mapping

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic plant in the Mediterranean whose presence depends on numerous natural and anthropic factors, which determine its irregular distribution throughout the basin. This makes it necessary to study the conditions that favour or limit the proliferation of P. oceanica and to adopt precise tools and mapping methods to monitor its health. Data obtained from remote sensing techniques require processing to prepare the images for possible analysis. The orthorectification process is a fundamental step in this image pre-processing phase. In this work, the application of both Object-Based Analysis and Pixel-Based Recognition classification methods was tested in order to isolate areas containing Posidonia oceanica in the image. The objective was to evaluate some of the most suitable mapping methods to provide accurate and repeatable data useful for the conservation of Posidonia meadows and the protection of the Mediterranean ecosystem. The results of the experimental work on orthorectification and Posidonia oceanica extraction methods are presented for a specific area of Sardinia (Italy).