Integrated Platform for Ecosystems Monitoring Based on Remote and in Situ Measurements

Ecosystems are providing essential services to humans. Food production, drinkable water, clean air, biodiversity support, climate regulation and nutrient cycling, mitigation of natural disasters, regulation of pests and diseases are just few examples of ecosystem services of vital importance. This paper proposes an integrated approach for terrestrial and ecosystems' studies targeting to integrate in situ measurements acquired by automate ground sensors with Earth observation data analysis to provide data quality services for multiple applications. The resulted services will be delivered through a web platform, acting both as a highly instrumented site and as a prototype for a national distributed monitoring network to support transparent and knowledge based conservation and management policies.