Mapping plant strategy types and derivatives with imaging spectroscopy

The CSR-strategy model is frequently drawn upon to describe plant functional types as three major strategies. These main strategies reflect the productivity of a stand and the disturbance level at the site. Monitoring of their spatial distribution may provide insights into vital ecosystem processes and functions. In the present study we test whether the spatial distribution of these strategies can be mapped with imaging spectroscopy and whether the maps and derivatives thereof provide meaningful ecological information. The test was implemented in a semi-natural heathland with a statistical approach (Partial Least Squares regression). Our results show that strategy mapping is possible and substantiate the potential of imaging spectroscopy for ecosystem research and management.