Methods for the Spatial Analysis of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Fragmentation at Conservation Sites in Malta Using Drones *

Managing environmental conservation sites on the island of Malta is challenging due in part to pressures from urbanization and disruptions from changing land use patterns. Understanding the spatial and temporal context of these challenges through data visualization techniques is an important tool for conserving these ecosystems. This paper describes a set of approaches using aerial imagery collected by drones in support of ecosystem management for specific sites managed by a non-profit, non-governmental environmental organization working in the Maltese islands. Drone images were first taken using automated flight patterns to create high-resolution orthomosaic images. Data collected through fieldwork was combined with the orthomosaics for spatial analysis using GIS tools. The primary focus of the GIS analysis was to use the orthomosaics for the identification of invasive and endangered species and to monitor coastal erosion. These methods help enable efficient, periodic data updates and mapping by the site managers. Additional benefits of the approach described in the paper include helping site managers gain insights into ecosystem fragments from urban expansion and establishing a baseline to analyze future change. The maps created can help improve public awareness of each site and more broadly promote environmental awareness of different conservation sites throughout the islands.