Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil

Bare soil (BS) identification through satellite remote sensing can potentially play a critical role in understanding and managing soil properties essential for climate regulation and ecosystem services. From 191 papers, this review synthesises advancements in BS detection methodologies, such as thre...

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Main Authors: Beth Delaney, Kevin Tansey, Mick Whelan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Remote Sensing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/4/630
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author Beth Delaney
Kevin Tansey
Mick Whelan
author_facet Beth Delaney
Kevin Tansey
Mick Whelan
author_sort Beth Delaney
collection DOAJ
description Bare soil (BS) identification through satellite remote sensing can potentially play a critical role in understanding and managing soil properties essential for climate regulation and ecosystem services. From 191 papers, this review synthesises advancements in BS detection methodologies, such as threshold masking and classification algorithms, while highlighting persistent challenges such as spectral confusion and inconsistent validation practices. The analysis reveals an increasing reliance on satellite data for applications such as digital soil mapping, land use monitoring, and environmental impact mapping. While multispectral sensors like Landsat and Sentinel dominate current methodologies, limitations remain in distinguishing BS from spectrally similar surfaces, such as crop residues and urban areas. This review emphasises the critical need for robust validation practices to ensure reliable estimates. By integrating technological advancements with improved methodologies, the potential for accurate, large-scale BS detection can significantly contribute to combating land degradation and supporting global food security and climate resilience efforts.
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spelling doaj-art-34aa53685a0d4121a46143cc132e768b2025-08-20T02:44:35ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922025-02-0117463010.3390/rs17040630Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare SoilBeth Delaney0Kevin Tansey1Mick Whelan2Space Park Leicester, 92 Corporation Road, Leicester LE4 5SP, UKSpace Park Leicester, 92 Corporation Road, Leicester LE4 5SP, UKSchool of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UKBare soil (BS) identification through satellite remote sensing can potentially play a critical role in understanding and managing soil properties essential for climate regulation and ecosystem services. From 191 papers, this review synthesises advancements in BS detection methodologies, such as threshold masking and classification algorithms, while highlighting persistent challenges such as spectral confusion and inconsistent validation practices. The analysis reveals an increasing reliance on satellite data for applications such as digital soil mapping, land use monitoring, and environmental impact mapping. While multispectral sensors like Landsat and Sentinel dominate current methodologies, limitations remain in distinguishing BS from spectrally similar surfaces, such as crop residues and urban areas. This review emphasises the critical need for robust validation practices to ensure reliable estimates. By integrating technological advancements with improved methodologies, the potential for accurate, large-scale BS detection can significantly contribute to combating land degradation and supporting global food security and climate resilience efforts.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/4/630bare soil detectionsatellite imagerydigital soil mappingland useland classificationvalidation techniques
spellingShingle Beth Delaney
Kevin Tansey
Mick Whelan
Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil
Remote Sensing
bare soil detection
satellite imagery
digital soil mapping
land use
land classification
validation techniques
title Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil
title_full Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil
title_fullStr Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil
title_full_unstemmed Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil
title_short Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques and Limitations for Identifying Bare Soil
title_sort satellite remote sensing techniques and limitations for identifying bare soil
topic bare soil detection
satellite imagery
digital soil mapping
land use
land classification
validation techniques
url https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/4/630
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