Queensland scientists are using satellite technology to pinpoint the locations of some of the most invasive weeds, including prickly acacia, cactus and rubber vine. Biosecurity Queensland and the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) are working together to map some of the state’s worst weeds to further improve control efforts.The QuickBird satellite image with its high resolution used in the project can detect objects on the ground as small as individual trees. The technology gives accurate coordinates of likely weed infestations which allows the project team to find the weeds using GPS. The joint project is funded under Biosecurity Queensland’s Reclaim the Bush: A Pest Offensive, a program under Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries’ (QPIF) Blueprint for the Bush initiative. The groups involved in the project include DERM, QPIF, the University of Queensland; and the Southern Gulf, Desert Channels and Burnett Mary regions’ natural resource management groups.

source: http://www.gisdevelopment.net

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