Land fragmentation caused by urban sprawl and “leap frog” development patterns has important consequences on ecological structure and function. A group of researchers from several LTER sites--Central Arizona-Phoenix, Konza Prairie, Jornada Basin, Sevilleta, and Shortgrass Steppe—is collaborating in a cross-site comparison study to analyze the land fragmentation patterns and processes in some of the fast growing cities in the Southwest and Midwest regions.

Most aspects of the structure and function of Earth’s ecosystems can no longer be understood without accounting for the strong, and often dominant influence of humanity across space and time. Human land-use practices in particular are fundamental determinants of local, regional, and global ecological processes. The consequences of such practices are evident across diverse scales influencing the sustainability of landscapes and ultimately the quality of human life.

Aquatic ecosystems regulate material transfer between terrestrial and coastal systems, and play a significant role in regional to global carbon (C) and nutrient cycles. The functioning of inland waters is being altered by human activities such as land use change, climate change, and hydraulic engineering.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has become an important tool for investigating the structure of the earth's surface and vegetation. It permits high vertical and special resolution characterization of ground and vegetation surface heights and structure across large areas. LiDAR has been used to characterize vegetation cover, biomass, leaf area, and basal area for live and dead vegetation. Software is now readily available for 3-D visualization of canopy surfaces.

The LTER Network uses Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System technologies extensively in its research activities. The focus for remote sensing and GIS activities at LNO is for data acquisition and the cross-site, large-scale collaborations which are afforded by these data.

The Purpose of this working group is to bring together remote sensing and GIS researchers as well as site principal investigators and LTER Information Managers to discuss issues raised by the new LTER Ad-hoc Remote Sensing Committee.  The focus of these discussions will be what types of data are needed for the LTER Network, particularly in light of needs for ISSE research, and how to make the remote sensing data accessible at the Site and Network level.  In addition, there will be discussion of a framework for the organization of a proposed LTER "Spatial data and analysis com