Geospatial Technologies and Climate Change

“Geospatial Technologies and Climate Change” is a scholarly compilation of seventeen chapters from researchers working on climate change related research in five countries of four continents. Geospatial technologies, synergetic applications of remote sensing and geographical information systems, offer versatile cross-scale tools to study climate change, the climate system’s changes over decades, and their impacts on social- and ecological systems. A wide variety of climate change applications and the most advanced tools for climate change research are presented in this volume.  The detailed treatment of the topic is framed in the paradigm of spatial planning for mitigation and adaptation. Through multifunctional and flexible thinking the authors investigate the dynamics of natural systems and suggest planning ahead for longer terms, as changes of the climate unfold only over longer periods.  The book argues that technological innovations for climate change mitigation and adaptation should begin locally.

Three strands of spatially defined climate change research come together in this volume. The first part  explores geospatial technologies as assessment tools that play important roles in scoping and monitoring climate change impacts. The second part reviews geospatial technologies as decision support tools applied in planning for adaptation and mitigation. The third part provides an introduction to the basics of geospatial technologies and uncovers their technical potential in advanced climate change research.

Designed for students, academics and decision-makers, the volume accounts for the leading currents of thought in applying geospatial technologies in climate change research and adaptation. By demonstrating how diversity of discovery methods can broaden our knowledge, from design charettes through hands-on engagement with the local environment to interpreting satellite imagery, the authors emphasize the importance ofinter-disciplinary approaches in addressing uncertainties over climate change. The broad and fresh perspectives of the authors make this volume an invaluable guide in innovative application of geospatial technologies in climate change research.