Abstract Title
Goathead and Land Cover Classification
Acknowledgement of Funding Sources
EPSCoR
Additional Funding Sources
Funded through EPSCoR Award No: OIA-1757324
Abstract
Goathead, Tribulus Terrestris, is an invasive plant species in Idaho. Previous research from Trevor Caughlin’s Lab at BSU found bareground cover to consistently increase their abundance, emergence, and persistence. Additionally, low-valued properties were found to have a higher risk of goathead occurrence on peripheral plots along the road network (i.e. cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets). Through mentorship, work in QGIS and R programming we analyzed satellite imagery with segmentation and classification. The classification algorithm showed a higher Overall Accuracy value with Asphalt, BareGround, BuiltEnvironment, Herbaceous, Tree, and Water. Compared to doing classification with PavedGround as well. Results indicate a more accurate classification that can be used to generate an updated mapping of Goathead susceptibility in Boise. A version of the map is currently utilized for goathead elimination efforts by the public, including the City of Boise’s Weed Warriors program and the non-profit, Boise Bicycle Project. At least yearly land cover analysis will need to be conducted to update goathead susceptibility mapping. Urban planning efforts can benefit from subsequent research with urban field scholars and ecologists to analyze the socio-ecological impacts on urban infrastructure. This research further demonstrated how urban infrastructure facilitates inequitable conditions for bicyclists, human traffic, and dog walkers. Ultimately, we found community collaboration can reconstruct a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban ecosystem.
Goathead and Land Cover Classification
Goathead, Tribulus Terrestris, is an invasive plant species in Idaho. Previous research from Trevor Caughlin’s Lab at BSU found bareground cover to consistently increase their abundance, emergence, and persistence. Additionally, low-valued properties were found to have a higher risk of goathead occurrence on peripheral plots along the road network (i.e. cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets). Through mentorship, work in QGIS and R programming we analyzed satellite imagery with segmentation and classification. The classification algorithm showed a higher Overall Accuracy value with Asphalt, BareGround, BuiltEnvironment, Herbaceous, Tree, and Water. Compared to doing classification with PavedGround as well. Results indicate a more accurate classification that can be used to generate an updated mapping of Goathead susceptibility in Boise. A version of the map is currently utilized for goathead elimination efforts by the public, including the City of Boise’s Weed Warriors program and the non-profit, Boise Bicycle Project. At least yearly land cover analysis will need to be conducted to update goathead susceptibility mapping. Urban planning efforts can benefit from subsequent research with urban field scholars and ecologists to analyze the socio-ecological impacts on urban infrastructure. This research further demonstrated how urban infrastructure facilitates inequitable conditions for bicyclists, human traffic, and dog walkers. Ultimately, we found community collaboration can reconstruct a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban ecosystem.