Earthtrack Data Capture - Gwent Levels

Earthtrack Data Capture - Gwent Levels

Living Wales' Earthtrack mobile application (available on the Google and Apple stores) allows for consistent collection of information on land cover and Phase 1 habitats as well as change, with all data available to support the mapping and monitoring of land and water from Earth observation (satellite and airborne) data. Earthtrack has been used across Wales to validate national maps generated by Living Wales for multiple years (from 2018) and to support targeted environmental projects (e.g., habitat structure, water pollution).

Focusing on the southwest region of the Gwent Levels, this two day event aims to capture 1000 records of land cover and habitats over a 24 hour period using Earthtrack, with the data then made publicly available for a wide range of applications including land management and planning. Training will be provided on the first day.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in environment and data recording, from the public through to specialists.

On Day 1, we will meet at the RSPB Centre in Nash for lunch and a briefing. In the afternoon, we will provide small-group (~5 people) practical training in the use of Earthtrack for recording information on the environment, with focus on land cover and habitats. Groups will be divided according to their domain interests (e.g., woodlands, marshes, grasslands), with some of the 1000 points collected. Following collection of samples, you will return to the RSPB Centre in Nash, you will be shown how these data are submitted to the Earthtrack Geoportal and made available for general use.

On Day 2 (all day), participants will be asked to visit (again in small groups) land covers and habitats distributed through the southeast region and record land cover and habitats for at least 30-40 locations. With over 30 participants anticipated, this would result in the capture of over 1000 points. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The anticipated output is a substantive dataset of environmental information that demonstrates capacity of Earthtrack to provide consistent information gathered by users with diverse backgrounds for an area of interest (in this case, the Gwent Levels). The resulting case study dataset will be used to motivate and encourage similar activities across Wales.

If you are unable to attend Day 1 and would like prior training on Earthtrack, please email richard.lucas@aber.ac.uk.