Leveraging Geo-AI to Evaluate Conservation Land Conditions in Nebraska, USA

Authors

Fnu Jahangeer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Zhenghong Tang

Committee Members

Yunwoo Nam, Abigail Cochran

Date of this Version

12-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Master of Community and Regional Planning

Major: Community and Regional Planning

Under the supervision of Professor Zhenghong Tang

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2024

Comments

Copyright © 2024, Fnu Jahangeer. Used by permission

Abstract

Wetlands are among the most vital natural resources, offering extensive ecosystem services that benefit human societies. However, human activities and disturbances have led to widespread wetland degradation and loss worldwide. Key factors contributing to this degradation include pollution, exploitation of biological resources, modifications to natural systems, and agricultural and aquacultural practices. This study examines wetland conservation efforts in Nebraska, focusing on three main areas: (1) AI-Driven Applications in Google Earth Engine for Surface Water Monitoring, Assessment, and Management; (2) Assessing Wetland Hydrological Performance under Three Conservation Programs in Nebraska through AI-Driven Google Earth Engine Analysis; and (3) Identifying Potential Wetland Sites in Nebraska using Google Earth Engine.

Initially, the study explores the application of Google Earth Engine (GEE) in water resource management, analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. The second and third components use machine learning and GEE to classify Sentinel-2 imagery, focusing on both public and private wetlands across Nebraska. This research highlights the potential for effective, long-term monitoring of Nebraska’s wetlands and conservation easements, providing an efficient and cost-effective approach. The findings offer valuable scientific insights to support conservation decision-making for these critical wetland areas.

Advisor: Zhenghong Tang