1 Evaluating Benthic Survey Techniques for Validating Maps of Coral Reefs Derived from Remotely Sensed Images

Abstract Field validation of maps derived from airborne or satellite imagery is essential to enable their use for monitoring and managing coral reef habitats. Methods of benthic survey in coral reef ecosystems have been documented elsewhere, yet a comparative evaluation of methods for integrating field data with remote sensing has not been completed. In addition to meeting standard field survey requirements, data for validation of maps produced from remotely sensed images have several unique requirements in terms of spatial coverage, timing, information content and positional accuracy. This study compares ten different methods used to determine benthic cover for verifying image-based maps in coral reef environments. At three locations the field survey techniques were applied to th