Unmanned aerial systems‐based monitoring of the eco‐geomorphology of coastal dunes through spectral Rao's <i>Q</i>

Question Does spectral diversity captured by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide reliable information for monitoring the eco-geomorphological integrity of Mediterranean coastal dune ecosystems? Can this discriminate between two areas with low (LP) and high (HP) human pressure? Location Tyrrhenian coast, Central Italy. Methods By processing UAS images, we derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) topographic variables at spatial resolution (0.5 m) 150 m wide strips starting from coastline inland on representative tracts under pressure. We mapped sea–inland heterogeneity applying Rao's Q to plant biomass geomorphology (elevation slope). Since can be calculated in a multidimensional space, summarized variability these three into single layer. then inspected compared how values biomass, eco-geomorphology change as function distance sea sites. Results vary along gradient well-preserved sites (LP). The maximum was found intermediate distances decreased toward inner sector where more stable homogeneously distributed. Instead, featured constant HP site, highlighting simplified related Conclusions Using UAS, dunes quantified very fine over management-relevant extents. applied sensing imagery successfully differences among different levels anthropic This approach supports frequent surveys is particularly suitable key functions services.