Temperate deciduous forests are sensitive indicators of climate variability, and near-surface phenocam observations provide high-frequency records of their canopy dynamics. We present a 7-year green chromatic coordinate (GCC) dataset from a Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) stand at the Mt. Jeombong Ecological Tower, Korea, collected within the National Long-Term Ecological Research program. A digital camera mounted above the canopy acquired RGB images every 30 minutes; images taken between 10:00 and 14:00 from 12 April 2018 to 31 December 2024 were used. A fixed region of interest over the oak canopy was defined, mean RGB values were extracted, and daily GCC was computed as G/(R+G+B). Time series were quality-controlled with the night, spline, and max filters implemented in the R package phenopix. Missing days were left as gaps without interpolation. The dataset, archived in EcoBank, supports studies of forest phenology, validation of satellite vegetation indices, and evaluation of ecosystem and climate models.
This study analyzed vegetation changes in the Janggumegi Wetland before and after a wildfire. Field surveys were conducted in September 2022 (pre-fire) and in July and September 2025 (post-fire) to compare species composition and community structure. Species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), Pielou’s evenness (J’), and Simpson’s dominance index (DI) were calculated based on species occurrence and cover data. In 2022, a total of 78 species were recorded (H’=2.21, J’=0.76, DI=0.18). In July 2025, 85 species were observed (H’=2.05, J’=0.70, DI=0.22), and in September 2025, 82 species were recorded (H’=1.98, J’=0.68, DI=0.24). Although species richness increased slightly after the wildfire, diversity and evenness declined, while dominance rose, indicating stronger influence of particular species. In the understory, Persicaria thunbergii remained dominant, but alien and disturbance species became more frequent, suggesting potential threats to community stability. These findings suggest that wildfire did not reduce species numbers but altered community balance by weakening diversity and facilitating disturbance species. Despite limitations such as short-term monitoring, this study provides the first quantitative evidence of postfire vegetation changes in the Janggumegi Wetland and offers baseline data for future long-term monitoring.
This study systematically classified and mapped the spatial distribution of plant communities of high conservation value in Korea’s limestone regions. We analyzed vegetation data from the 4th-5th National Ecosystem Survey and the Forest Site and Soil Map. Four major vegetation types were identified -montane deciduous broad-leaved forest, montane moist forest, montane coniferous forest, and calcareous vegetation- comprising 45 plant communities. Most communities corresponded to conservation grade II. Spatial analysis showed that montane coniferous forest occupied approximately 93% of the total vegetation area in limestone regions, followed by montane moist forest, montane deciduous broad-leaved forest, and calcareous vegetation. Among all communities, the Pinus densiflora community covered the largest area. Regionally, Gangwon- do exhibited both the largest area and the greatest diversity of vegetation types, followed by Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Jeonbuk-do. Communities were typified by the dominant canopy species in existing vegetation, thereby reflecting the actual structure and distribution of limestone vegetation. Pinus and Quercus were identified as the principal dominants, indicating that general characteristics of Korean montane forests are also evident on limestone substrates. These findings provide fundamental baseline information for ecological restoration, environmental impact assessment, and conservation management, and in the long term will support the development of restoration strategies that incorporate potential natural vegetation.
There are a total of 38 plant communities distributed across nine survey points from the lower to upper parts of Baekcheon. According to wetland preference, there are six obligate wetland plant communities (OBW), five facultative wetland plant communities (FACW), five facultative plant communities (FAC), seven facultative upland plant communities (FACU), and 15 obligate upland plant communities (OBU). There are 11 wetland plant communities (OBW, FACW) and 22 terrestrial plant communities (FACU, OBU). Wetland plant communities account for 23.4%, while terrestrial plant communities account for 10.2%. Among the wetland plant communities, Salix pierotii com., Phragmites japonica com. and Sicyos angulatus com. are distributed from the downstream to upstream. Salix chaenomeloides com. and Miscanthus sacchariflorus com. are distributed from the downstream, and Phragmites australis com. is distributed in the downstream. Among the terrestrial plant communities, Robinia pseudoacacia com. and Pueraria lobata com are distributed from downstream to upstream. Ailanthus altissima com., Castanea crenata com., Quercus variabilis com., and Cornus controversa com. are distributed in the upstream. In particular, the terrestrial plant community is distributed about two times and three times wider than the wetland plant community at survey site one in the downstream and survey site seven in the upstream, respectively. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent the expansion of terrestrial plants in this area. On the other hand, wetland plants require management for expansion. The plant community data distributed from the downstream to the upstream of the river can be used to evaluate the terrestrialization of plants and the time-series vegetation succession due to human interference. In addition, it can be used as important basic data for maintaining and restoring the health (suitability) of riparian vegetation.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
High-Resolution Mapping of Thermal Effluents in Inland Streams and Coastal Seas Using UAV-Based Thermal Infrared Imagery Sunyang Baek, Junhyeok Jung, Hyung-Sup Jung Remote Sensing.2026; 18(8): 1121. CrossRef
This study develops and openly provides a moderate-resolution geospatial dataset of paddy rice areas on the Korean Peninsula, demonstrating its application for spatially explicit classification and yield simulation. Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery from the Terra satellite, we generated raster and vector maps of paddy fields for 15 regions across South Korea (Cheorwon, Gimje, Icheon, Naju, Paju, Jeonbuk, and Jeonnam) and North Korea (South/North Hwanghae, South Pyeongan, and Pyeongyang) over the 2010-2022 period. Threshold (T)-based rules (elevation ≤800 m; slope ≤7°; normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI] max/ min, 0.55/0.40; NDVI increase rate, 4.0; May-June land surface water index [LSWI]+T > NDVI, LSWI T, 0.17) achieved an overall classification accuracy of 78.8% (κ=0.512), with paddy-user and paddy-producer accuracies of 69.7% and 64.1%, and non‑paddy accuracies of 82.7% and 86.1%. We then integrated a machine learning regression model into the remote sensing-integrated crop model to simulate leaf area index and yield. Simulated 2022 yields averaged 6.8±0.5 t ha-1 in major South Korean areas and 5.9±0.4 t ha-1 in North Korean plains, with an inter-regional difference of 1.0 to 1.2 t ha-1. Our results confirm that intermediate-resolution remote sensing data combined with simple threshold rules and machine learning-enhanced process modeling can effectively map paddy fields and predict yields. The resulting geospatial datasets, provided with complete metadata in accordance with GEO DATA standards, are openly available for reuse and extension to diverse crops and agroecological contexts.
This study developed a remote sensing-integrated crop model (RSCM) incorporating machine learning (ML) methodologies to predict maize yields across the US Corn Belt. The framework integrated MODIS vegetation indices with AgERA5 meteorological data to simulate leaf area index and biomass accumulation at 500 m resolution. Simulations across seven states (2012-2020) representing 70.7% of US maize cultivation achieved yield predictions ranging from 9.1±2.15 t ha-1 (South Dakota) to 11.7±1.96 t ha-1 (Iowa), with inter-regional variability of 0.2 to 2.6 t ha-1 reflecting diverse environmental conditions. The RSCM-ML approach successfully bridges traditional crop modeling and remote sensing integration, providing standardized geospatial datasets with broad applicability to diverse crop systems. The resulting standardized geospatial dataset is openly available via the National Research Data Platform and can support applications in crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and agroclimatic impact assessment. Future improvements through higher-resolution field observations and ensemble modeling will further enhance prediction accuracy for sustainable agricultural monitoring.
This study aims to compare and analyze the past and present vegetation changes on Sorok Island using satellite imagery to understand the current development patterns that damage the island's unique ecological and environmental characteristics. The findings will serve as fundamental data for establishing sustainable management and conservation plans. Sorok Island, located in Goheung-gun, South Korea, has a historical background as a Hansen's disease patient isolation site. Since 1916, limited human intervention has shaped its unique ecosystem. This study uses Sentinel-2 satellite images from 2016 and 2024 to calculate normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and analyze vegetation vitality and change rates. Results indicate that NDVI values in 2024 have generally increased compared to 2016, and vegetation vitality has also improved. However, NDVI values for forest areas and inland wetlands have decreased, attributed to forest development and expansion of cultivated land. Future research should include long-term vegetation change analysis and comprehensive studies considering various factors.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
First Avifaunal Inventory of Sorok Island, South Korea Sang-Yeon Lee GEO DATA.2025; 7(3): 137. CrossRef
This study was conducted to investigate the distribution patterns and ecological characteristics of plant communities in estuarine wetland in South Korea. A total of 288 estuarine wetlands were surveyed, revealing that vegetated areas accounted for 38.3 km2, while non-vegetated areas, predominantly water bodies (133.2 km2), covered 143.8 km2. The high proportion of water areas in estuarine wetlands (approximately 70%) contrasts with the 50.8% recorded in inland wetlands, reflecting the challenging conditions for plant establishment due to the continuous mixing of fresh and saline waters. A total of 167 plant communities were identified, with reed (Phragmites australis) communities occupying the largest area (26.0 km2). The analysis of habitat preferences revealed that the majority of the plant communities were categorized as obligate wetland plants (47 species) and facultative wetland plants (12 species), with halophytes playing a significant role in maintaining biodiversity in these ecosystems. Comparative analysis between the East and South coasts showed significant differences in the distribution of wetland and halophytic plant communities, suggesting that the distinct geomorphological and ecological conditions of each region strongly influence plant community structures. These research results will provide a scientific basis for the conservation and management of estuarine wetland ecosystems.
In this study, we created a map to present the results of the third survey on national environment, following the ecological and natural map guidelines established by law. For the terrestrial areas of the Republic of Korea, we conducted three assessments, vegetation, landform, and endangered species, at a national scale. The results yielded an ecological map covering 99,138.5 km2. The map showed the area distribution of different grades as follows: 11.3% for grade 1, 31.4% for grade 2, and 57.3% for grade 3. Specifically, within grade 1, vegetation covered 90.5% of the area, endangered species covered 9.7%, and landform covered 1.3% (including overlapping areas). This map provides detailed information including habitats of endangered species that were previously inaccessible to the public. Additionally, it offers insights into management areas with separately managed zone that could not be identified in existing ecological and natural maps.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Area Analysis by Grade and Province of the Ecology and Nature Map (2022-2025) Hye-Yeon Yoon, Wooseok Oh GEO DATA.2025; 7(3): 123. CrossRef
The spatial distribution of wetland preference of vegetation was analyzed based on the results of actual vegetation maps for six river type wetland protected areas. There are nine to 23 plant communities distributed in the six wetlands. In wetland preference plant communities, there are 16 obligate wetland plant communities (OBW), 10 facultative wetland plant communities (FACW), seven facultative plant communities (FAC), five factultative upland plant communities (FACU), and 15 obligate upland plant communities (OBU). In the central part of the wetland protected area, OBW and FACW are mainly distributed, and in the peripheral area, FACU and OBU are widely distributed. Therefore, in order to continuously maintain wetland vegetation, it is necessary to prevent drying out by managing inflowing water, removing sediment, and securing water flow.
The importance of blue carbon is significant in terms of climate change mitigation and marine ecosystem conservation, and halophyte acts as a crucial reservoir for this blue carbon. Accordingly, this study utilized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) optical sensors to create a distribution map of vegetation in the natural salt marsh of the Jujin estuary. The optical images captured from a UAV at an altitude of 50 m provide ultra-high-resolution optical information with a ground sampling distance of 0.6 cm. Based on these images, a U-Net model was trained to classify Phragmites communis and Suaeda maritima, generating a classification map of the mixed habitats of salt marsh plants. The areas of Phragmites communis and Suaeda maritima in the Jujin- Cheon region were found to be 6,653.23 m2 and 1,409.08 m2, respectively. The classification results were validated using field control point data, confirming an approximate classification accuracy of 92%.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
High-Resolution Mapping of Thermal Effluents in Inland Streams and Coastal Seas Using UAV-Based Thermal Infrared Imagery Sunyang Baek, Junhyeok Jung, Hyung-Sup Jung Remote Sensing.2026; 18(8): 1121. CrossRef
In this study, we conduct for providing information on the status of vegetation space distribution in the Duung wetland protected area and to help manage the wetland protected area. To understand the spatial distribution of vegetation in Duung Wetland, used the results of surveys in 2019 and 2023. As a result of the study, the number of vegetation types increased by 4 from 20 to 24. Four communities were newly investigated, including the Utricularia tenuicaulis community, Pueraria montana var. lobata-Elymus tsukushiensis community, Spiraea prunifolia for. simpliciflora community, and Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens community. In accordance with the environment, the range of aquatic plant communities such as Trapa japonica community and Nymphaea tetragona var. angusta community increased, and the succession zone of cultivated land expanded dry grassland. The survey results can be used as basic data for systematic management of the Duung wetland protected area.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Improving Inland Wetland Classification Performance of Drone Imagery-Based TransUNet Model Using Multi-Class Data Balancing Technique Eu-Ru Lee, Jin-Sik Bong, Kyu-Ri Choi, Hyung-Sup Jung Korean Journal of Remote Sensing.2025; 41(2): 447. CrossRef
The average temperature of the Korean Peninsula over the past 30 years has risen 1.4°C compared to the early 20th century (1912-1941), exceeding the global temperature increase trend. Vegetation responds very sensitively to climate change. Changes in phenological response, such as fall fliage, fruiting time of vascular plants, and appearance of insects, have occurred. Areas around Wando Arboretum, the target area of this study, belongs to the subtropical climate zone. In this study, we aimed to provide basic data for systematic management of biological resources through out the survey of vegetation distribution in the area around Wando Arboretum where warm-temperate plants distribute, using hyperspectral imaging- LiDAR. As a result of converting the classification images of individual information using hyperspectral images and Lidar into objects by vegetation correlation, a total of 27 classifications were confirmed with 18 families, 24 species, and three varieties. In addition, a total of 29,884 individuals were identified.