Remote sensing approaches for monitoring grassland restoration outcomes

Remote sensing offers powerful tools for large-scale, cost-effective monitoring of ecological restoration, yet its application to grassland restoration remains insufficiently validated against field-based indicators. This PhD project investigates how satellite and drone-based remote sensing data can be used to assess grassland restoration success, and how remotely sensed indices can complement standardized field monitoring. The research is embedded in a multidisciplinary project combining field ecology, long-term ecological research, and remote sensing to support restoration monitoring in Hungary.

The PhD candidate will work with multi-temporal satellite data and targeted UAV imagery to derive vegetation indices related to productivity, vegetation structure, spatial heterogeneity, and shrub encroachment. These remotely sensed metrics will be validated against field-based indicators collected at restoration sites. The work includes time-series analysis, spatial pattern analysis, and the evaluation of different spectral indices and texture measures as proxies for ecological restoration outcomes. A key objective is to identify which remote sensing indices are robust, transferable, and suitable for integration into standardized monitoring frameworks.

The ideal candidate has a background in remote sensing, geography, environmental sciences, ecology, or a related discipline. Experience with satellite data processing, GIS, and quantitative spatial analysis is expected. Familiarity with programming or scripting (e.g. R or Python) and interest in ecological applications of remote sensing are essential. Prior experience with UAV data or ecological field data is an advantage but not mandatory.

The PhD is expected to produce at least two D1 publications, including a methodological review on remote sensing applications in grassland restoration and a remote sensing-driven assessment of restoration monitoring in the Pannonian region.

Contact information: halassy.melinda@ecolres.hu