Within the BioClima project, modern Earth Observation (EO) methods are actively integrated into higher education to support knowledge transfer and capacity building in the field of climate, agriculture, and biodiversity. As part of this effort, a specialized lecture was delivered at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering (TF ČZU).

The lecture, titled “Methods of Earth Observation: Satellites, UAVs, HAPS, Aerostats and Manned Platforms – Applications in Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring within the BioClima Project,” was delivered by Ing. Jiří Sedlák, Ph.D., contractual lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering (TF ČZU).

The session focused on the rapidly evolving role of EO technologies in agricultural and environmental monitoring, highlighting their importance for climate adaptation and biodiversity assessment.

Participants were introduced to a broad range of observation platforms, including satellite systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), manned aircraft, and emerging high-altitude platforms (HAPS). Particular attention was given to the European Copernicus programme and its Sentinel missions, which enable advanced monitoring of vegetation, crop structure, and water stress through radar, multispectral, and thermal data.

The lecture also emphasized practical applications of EO in agriculture, such as the use of vegetation indices (e.g. NDVI) for assessing plant health, early detection of diseases and nutrient deficiencies, and targeted interventions within precision farming systems. These approaches contribute to more efficient resource management and increased resilience of agricultural systems to climate change.

A dedicated part of the lecture highlighted the BioClima case study in the Vysočina region, where Earth Observation data are being used to better understand the interactions between climate variability, agricultural practices, and biodiversity. This regional example demonstrates how multi-source data integration (satellite, aerial, and in situ observations) can support more precise monitoring and evidence-based decision-making at the landscape level.

The BioClima project aims to improve the integration of climate and biodiversity monitoring through advanced environmental observation methods. By combining satellite, aerial, and in situ data, the project supports more informed decision-making and promotes sustainable landscape management.