Education toolkits for 21st century ecological research: Facilitating the use of Lidar data in global scale ecology

Background/Question/Methods

This presentation will overview the National Ecological Observatory Network's (NEON) collaborative University-focused education program that utilizes interactive, online multi-media content to disseminate key concepts (understanding the data) and data considerations (i.e. error/ uncertainty, metadata, etc) related to NEON’s data products. It will highlight modules related to the use of NEON’s lidar remote sensing data in ecological analysis. Modules utilize free and open source tools to teach key remote sensing concepts and analysis techniques and include hands on activities with pre-packed NEON data that could be incorporated into the classroom. Developed in collaboration with labs and organizations across the globe, this effort will become an integral component of the online NEON education and data portal.

Consistent, standardized and freely available remote sensing datasets, such as lidar data, are becoming increasingly available across the United States (National Ecological Observatory Network, NEON) and the globe (Australia’s Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, TERN). These freely available data support analysis of broadscale changes in vegetation structure and condition and are thus integral to increased understanding of pressing global issues such as landuse and climate change. However, while big data are becoming accessible and available, analysis and use of these big data may present a challenge to some ecologists given limited exposure to analysis and processing of these data in support of their research and education efforts. Thus, there is thus a need to develop free online instructional materials to support the use of big data products in ecological research.

Results/Conclusions

The widely accepted use of data such as lidar in ecology is contingent upon education surrounding its use and application. Empowering young ecologists with the knowledge and tools required to process and analyze the data, is thus as integral to the observatory as the data itself.

In this presentation, we discuss the integral role of freely available education materials that demonstrate the use of big data to address ecological questions and concepts. We also review gaps in existing educational resources related to lidar (and other) data and associated tools. Further, we address the great potential for big data inclusion into both existing ecology courses and self-paced learning model through engaging and interactive multi-media presentation. Finally, we present beta-versions of the interactive, multi-media education modules and results from feedback following early piloting and review.