Earth observation for Shrub Encroachment 

Abstract. Woody plant encroachment (WPE) refers to the increase in density, cover, and biomass of trees and shrubs, affecting both the environment and economy. Many regions lack quantification of WPE, and its driving factors remain unclear. Shrub encroachment, involving woody plants up to 1.5 meters tall, is particularly challenging to quantify due to the lower height and coverage of shrubs. Remote sensing can address this by leveraging spectral and structural properties to improve shrub detection. Integrating accurate quantifications of shrub encroachment over time in models with a variety of potential driving factors can shed light on primary encroachment patterns and mechanisms, aiding local management efforts. We present a case study in the Cypress Upland ecoregion of Canada, where we examine the relationship between 22 different topo-edaphic, anthropogenic, and climatic factors, and shrub cover changes from 2011 to 2018.