Abstract

In the urban context the most commonly mapped feature related to natural resources is green spaces. This feature is recognized as the existing habitat for several species in urban areas and it is valued for its potential to foster biodiversity (Ignatieva et al. 2011; Beninde et al. 2015). Urban green spaces can foster a variety of species, from common and abundant species to rare species, and can range from remnant forests and grasslands to vacant lots, parks, community gardens and cemeteries (Jarvis and Young 2005). But not only green spaces can be mapped, other features therein such as vegetation, waterways and abundance of flora and fauna can also be mapped. Mapping in urban areas integrates advanced technologies and methods with those typically used in the field, and needs to combine the skills of a multidisciplinary team including GIS and remote sensing experts, ecologists and social scientists (Pilughe et al. 2016).