Paper Session I-C - Gap Analysis: Remote Sensing to Help Save Our Endangered Environment

Satellite imagery is enabling land planners and research biologists to map disappearing habitats across the United States. In 1987, a program called Gap Analysis was established on the premise that acting early to monitor could possibly save disappearing habitats by changing certain practices of endangerment. Gap Analysis is based on a methodology which identifies the gaps in representation of biological diversity or biodiversity in areas managed exclusively for the long-term maintenance of populations of native species and natural ecosystems referred to as biodiversity management areas (Figure 1). Once identified, gaps are filled through new reserve acquisitions or designations or through changes in management practices. The primary goal is to ensure that all ecosystems and areas rich in species diversity are represented adequately in biodiversity management areas