| dc.description.abstract | The use of dynamic vegetation modules in geomorphodynamical modelling provides more natural looking river and vegetation patterns. However, a way to validate these model results is not available. This means that there is a need to study the development of riparian vegetation and its patterns. In order to study riparian vegetation development over a longer time period, historical aerial photography is used. This study developed a method to extract isolated vegetation objects from historical grayscale aerial photography. Land cover and isolated vegetation objects were classified using object based image analysis. In a GIS environment the spatial and temporal development of the objects was analyzed. Spatial patterns of objects were analyzed by plotting these objects on maps along with characteristics as relative age, area and shape. The analysis of objects indicated dynamic vegetation development with new and disappearing objects. Spatial patterns in area and shape of objects were not present, though patterns in objects themselves were visible. The results of this study are a first step in obtaining data to validate model results. | |
