Invasive (Fire Prone) Vegetation Mapping for Hawai‘i

Invasive plant species pose serious ecological and economic threats by outcompeting native vegetation, altering hydrological and nutrient cycles, and degrading ecosystem services. Moreover, invasive species can strongly influence wildfire frequency, intensity, and behavior, often worsening fire risk and ecosystem recovery. Accurate mapping and monitoring of invasive vegetation are therefore essential for effective management and restoration planning. Satellite remote sensing offers a powerful, cost-effective, and repeatable means to detect, map, and monitor invasive species across a range of spatial and temporal scales. In this project, we will use multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data, in-situ measurements, and machine learning to identify invasive species across the State of Hawai‘i.