Unlock the power of Google Earth Engine for vector shape analysis

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Navigating to Darwin in Google Earth Engine
3. Importing Shapefiles into Google Fusion Tables
4. Creating a Fusion Table for Assessment
5. Unique Identifiers in Fusion Tables
6. Importing Fusion Tables into Earth Engine
7. Viewing the Fire Plot Locations in Earth Engine
8. Separating Unburned Plots from Triennial Plots
9. Creating Different Variables for Different Layers
10. Querying Treatment Columns for Reflectance Values
11. Creating Separate Layers for Annual Burns
12. View Layers for Triennial and Annual Burns
13. Script for TV Monitoring Plots
14. Distribution of Savannah and Plantation Monitoring Plots
15. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to import shapefiles into Google Earth Engine for use in monitoring projects. Shapefiles are commonly used for storing vector data, and Google Fusion Tables provide a convenient way to import and manage these files. We will explore the process of importing shapefiles into Fusion Tables, generating unique identifiers, and importing the tables into Earth Engine. Additionally, we will learn how to view and manipulate the data in Earth Engine, as well as separate different types of plots for analysis. By the end of this article, You will have a clear understanding of how to import and work with shapefiles in Google Earth Engine.

Navigating to Darwin in Google Earth Engine

To begin, let's navigate to Darwin in Google Earth Engine. Darwin is the territory where our monitoring projects are Based. By zooming out, we can locate the TV Islands, which are the focus of our assessments. In Google Earth Engine, vector data is primarily handled through Google Fusion Tables. To access Fusion Tables, we can search for it separately and import our shapefiles there. Google Fusion Tables accept a variety of file formats, including KML. Therefore, we can either save our shapefiles as KML or draw them directly in Google Earth before importing them as Fusion Tables.

Importing Shapefiles into Google Fusion Tables

Importing shapefiles into Google Fusion Tables is a straightforward process. Once we navigate to Fusion Tables, we can select the option to import different types of files, such as spreadsheets, CSV files, or KML files. To ensure a smooth import, it is recommended to save shapefiles as KML or convert them to KML in Google Earth before importing. After importing the file, Fusion Tables will display a map of the imported geometry, allowing us to Visualize the spread of different sites across the TV Islands.

Creating a Fusion Table for Assessment

For our assessment, we will be provided with a shapefile containing four different sites: Emmylou, Piketty, Ramon, and Shark Bay Tara. The shapefile also includes a treatment column specifying experimental fire treatments. The treatments include unburned plots, one-year plots burnt annually, and three-year plots burnt on a triangular basis. Once the Fusion Table is imported, we can access the attribute table, which provides information on the site, treatment, and name of each plot.

Unique Identifiers in Fusion Tables

When working with Fusion Tables, it is essential to identify the unique identifier associated with the table. This identifier allows us to refer to the specific Fusion Table in Earth Engine. While it is not necessary to remember the actual numbers, it is crucial to be aware of the existence of unique identifiers. If you are creating your own Fusion Tables, remember to share them with other users to facilitate collaboration. In the Earth Engine environment, locate the "env monitoring modeling 2017" folder, where you will find the script for importing the Fusion Table we just discussed. The script contains the unique identifier that we will use to import the Fusion Table into Earth Engine.

Importing Fusion Tables into Earth Engine

To import the Fusion Table into Earth Engine, we need to copy a snippet of code provided in the script. By creating a new script and pasting the code, we can convert it into an import Record. This step generates a variable that represents the Fusion Table in Earth Engine. Running the script will bring up the fire plot locations in Earth Engine and Create a layer for the fire plots. By zooming in and switching to the satellite view, we can visualize the exact locations of the plots on the TV Islands.

Viewing the Fire Plot Locations in Earth Engine

Now that we have imported the Fusion Table and visualized the fire plot locations, we can further refine our analysis. If we want to separate the unburned plots from the triennial plots, we need to Apply an interpretive code. By applying a filter to the treatment column, we can extract rows that match the "three-year" treatment. Separating the plots allows us to focus on specific types of burn treatments during our analysis. We can create separate variables for the different layers, such as "triennial" and "annual," to have distinct layers for each type of burn treatment.

Separating Unburned Plots from Triennial Plots

To separate the unburned plots from the triennial plots, we can utilize filtering in Earth Engine. By applying a filter to the treatment column and selecting "three-year," we can create a variable named "triennial" that represents the filtered data. We then add the triennial layer to the map, giving us a clear visual representation of the plots burnt every three years. Similarly, we can create a layer for the unburned plots or any other specific burn treatments of interest.

Creating Different Variables for Different Layers

In some cases, it may be beneficial to create different variables for different layers in Earth Engine. By doing this, we can have separate layers for each Type of burn treatment, allowing us to toggle them on and off for better visualization and analysis. For example, by creating variables for "triennial" and "annual" layers, we can easily switch between them and compare the distribution of burnt plots on the TV Islands.

Querying Treatment Columns for Reflectance Values

When working with different treatments in our analysis, we often need to extract reflectance values or NDVI values. While we can perform this extraction within the script, it might be useful to create separate variables for each treatment to organize our analysis better. By querying the treatment column and pulling out rows that match a specific treatment, we can create individual layers for different treatments, enhancing the Clarity of our analysis.

Creating Separate Layers for Annual Burns

Besides triennial burns, we might also be interested in annual burns. To create separate layers for annual burns, we can follow a similar process as we did earlier. By copying the script for the triennial burns and modifying it to filter for the "one-year" treatment, we can create a layer specifically for annual burns. This layer can be added to the map, providing a comprehensive view of both triennial and annual burn treatments on the TV Islands.

View Layers for Triennial and Annual Burns

With the separate layers for triennial and annual burns, we can easily view and analyze the distribution of burnt plots. By toggling between the layers, we can compare the two types of burn treatments and evaluate their impact on the TV Islands. This distinction allows for more focused analysis, as well as the ability to extract specific values or perform calculations on the different layers.

Script for TV Monitoring Plots

In addition to the fire plots, we also have monitoring plots distributed across the TV Islands. These monitoring plots serve different purposes, such as observing vegetation changes or measuring specific parameters. By using a feature table, we can import and visualize the TV monitoring plots in Earth Engine. Similar to the process for fire plots, we can copy the script provided and create a new script for the TV monitoring plots. After running the script, we will have a layer representing the monitoring plots on the TV Islands.

Distribution of Savannah and Plantation Monitoring Plots

Lastly, let's explore the distribution of the Savannah and Plantation monitoring plots. These plots are small, with a 50-meter radius, and are dispersed throughout the islands. By visualizing the monitoring plots on the satellite view, we can gain insights into their Spatial distribution and understand their role in the monitoring projects. The combination of fire plots and monitoring plots provides a comprehensive understanding of the TV Islands' ecological dynamics.

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned how to import shapefiles into Google Earth Engine for use in monitoring projects. We navigated to Darwin and used Google Fusion Tables to import shapefiles and create unique identifiers. After importing the Fusion Tables into Earth Engine, we visualized the fire plot locations and separated them based on the burn treatments. We also explored the creation of different layers for annual burns and triennial burns. Additionally, we touched upon the script and visualization of the TV monitoring plots. By following these steps, you can effectively import, analyze, and visualize shapefiles in Google Earth Engine, enabling you to conduct comprehensive monitoring projects on the TV Islands.

Highlights

• Learn how to import shapefiles into Google Earth Engine
• Use Google Fusion Tables to manage shapefiles
• Visualize fire plot locations in Earth Engine
• Separate fire plots based on burn treatments
• Create different layers for annual and triennial burns
• Import and analyze TV monitoring plots in Earth Engine
• Understand the distribution of monitoring plots across the islands

FAQ

Q: What are the TV Islands? A: The TV Islands are the focus of the monitoring projects discussed in this article. They are a set of islands where long-term fire experiments and monitoring plots have been established.

Q: Can I use other file formats instead of KML for importing into Google Fusion Tables? A: Yes, Google Fusion Tables accept a variety of file formats, including spreadsheets, CSV files, and KML files. However, it is recommended to save shapefiles as KML or convert them to KML in Google Earth for smoother imports.

Q: How can I access the attribute table of a Fusion Table in Earth Engine? A: In Earth Engine, you can access the attribute table of a Fusion Table by clicking on the imported table's variable. This will display the information similar to looking at the attribute table of a shapefile.

Q: Can I perform queries or calculations on separate layers in Earth Engine? A: Yes, by creating separate layers for different treatments or burn types, you can perform queries or calculations specific to each layer. This allows for more precise analysis and comparisons between different treatments or burn types.

Q: Is it possible to visualize both fire plots and monitoring plots on the same map in Earth Engine? A: Yes, you can visualize both fire plots and monitoring plots on the same map in Earth Engine. By creating separate layers for each and toggling them on and off, you can compare and analyze the spatial distribution and interaction between the different plot types.