Characterisation of grassland communities via remote detection with aerial imaging

Project title: 

Characterisation of grassland communities via remote detection with aerial imaging

Project outline:

Serrated tussock represents a major threat to Australia’s native grasslands and pastures, but its management is currently hampered because it can become established in isolated areas before control strategies can be implemented. A tool for remote detection of serrated tussock outbreaks in grasslands is under development by Agriculture Victoria Research, which will improve timely management of this weed. In this proposal, we are advocating a supplementary investigation to characterise spectral signatures of serrated tussock under a range of conditions (plant phenology, herbicide history, environmental conditions) which will assist in the more reliable classification of serrated tussock infestations. The project will include the collection of data across a range of spatial scales, spectral bands, and image platforms (hand-held spectroscopy, drones, air photos, commercial satellites and open access satellites). A number of image analysis techniques will be evaluated to enable a robust description and classification of serrated tussock populations, including differentiation of serrated tussock from other species of interest. This will enhance the ability of managers of grasslands (reserves and production environments) to better manage this weed. The information gathered through this project will also place us in a better position to detect outbreaks and institute controls of similar invasive weed species.

Project supervision team:

Prof Manzur Murshed (Principal Supervisor)

Prof Singarayer Florentine (Associate Supervisor)

Prof Guojun Lu (Associate Supervisor)

Dr Tanveer Choudhury (Associate Supervisor)

Dr Kathryn Sheffield (Co-supervisor, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Victorian Government)

Additional support from the industry: