Utilizing UAV technology and GIS analysis for ecological restoration: A case study on Robinia pseudoacacia L. in a mine waste dump landscape rehabilitation

Authors

  • George POPESCU University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, 300645 Timișoara (RO)
  • Cosmin Alin POPESCU University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, 300645 Timișoara (RO) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9882-9615
  • Lucian O. DRAGOMIR University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, 300645 Timișoara (RO)
  • Mihai V. HERBEI University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, 300645 Timișoara (RO) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3884-3658
  • Adina HORABLAGA University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, 300645 Timișoara (RO) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9815-0351
  • Alina-Maria ȚENCHE-CONSTANTINESCU University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Department of Horticulture, 300645 Timișoara (RO) https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3705-6632
  • Tudor SĂLĂGEAN University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, Department of Land Measurements and Exact Sciences (RO) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6069-1662
  • Simion BRUMA University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, Department of Land Measurements and Exact Sciences, 400372 Cluj-Napoca (RO) https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1757-8517
  • Mihaela DINU-ROMAN (SZABO) University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Horticulture and Landscape, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (RO)
  • Alexandru COLISAR University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, Department of Forestry, 400372 Cluj-Napoca (RO)
  • Vasile CEUCA University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, Department of Forestry, 400372 Cluj-Napoca (RO) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6902-6135
  • Shuraik KADER Griffith University, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Nathan, QLD 4111; Griffith University, Cities Research Institute, Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS), Gold Coast, QLD 4215 (AU) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2907-5327
  • Paul SESTRAS University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, Department of Land Measurements and Exact Sciences, 400372 Cluj-Napoca (RO) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8554-0924

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha52413937

Keywords:

afforestation, black locust, GIS analysis, landscape ecology, mine waste dump, photogrammetry, UAV

Abstract

The rehabilitation of mine waste dumps is a critical environmental challenge, particularly in areas like Uricani, Romania, where such sites are often characterized by hazardous conditions and poor ecological recovery. This study addresses the need for efficient, low-cost solutions for land reclamation by employing UAV photogrammetry and GIS spatial analysis to assess the potential for afforestation with Robinia pseudoacacia L., a species known for its soil stabilization and ecological benefits. Using UAV technology, high-resolution digital terrain models and orthophotos were generated, with an RMSE of 0.086 m, demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of this method for large-scale landscape initiatives. GIS spatial analysis was performed to create six key terrain maps and four pedoclimatic factor maps, essential for evaluating the site’s suitability for ecological restoration. The pilot afforestation project, which involved planting R. pseudoacacia, achieved a 75% survival rate after four years, suggesting that the species can thrive under the site’s conditions. The landscape design proposal incorporates recreational spaces aimed at benefiting the local community and attracting tourism, thereby contributing to the area’s economic and cultural revitalization. The interdisciplinary integration of UAV surveying, GIS, and landscape design highlights the cost-effectiveness and interdisciplinary nature of this approach, offering a sustainable model for mine waste dump reclamation and future ecological restoration projects.

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Published

2024-12-17

How to Cite

POPESCU, G., POPESCU, C. A., DRAGOMIR, L. O., HERBEI, M. V., HORABLAGA, A., ȚENCHE-CONSTANTINESCU, A.-M., SĂLĂGEAN, T., BRUMA, S., DINU-ROMAN (SZABO), M., COLISAR, A., CEUCA, V., KADER, S., & SESTRAS, P. (2024). Utilizing UAV technology and GIS analysis for ecological restoration: A case study on Robinia pseudoacacia L. in a mine waste dump landscape rehabilitation. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 52(4), 13937. https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha52413937

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Research Articles
CITATION
DOI: 10.15835/nbha52413937

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