4.0 Interpreting Wildlife Habitat from Satellite Images (Juniors only)

4-1. Study Material

• Interpreting Satellite Images
• Word Bank
• Glossary

4-2. Scorecard

        Scorecard example

4-3. Event Description

Objective

The objective of the Interpreting Wildlife Habitat from Satellite Images activity is for Junior contestants to demonstrate their ability to interpret and apply satellite images to wildlife habitat needs.  

Overview

For this activity, contestants need to know the habitat needs of wildlife species in the announced ecoregion. They need to be able to identify features on a satellite image and interpret the types and arrangement of habitat. Then they select the best habitat displayed on the satellite image for each species. This activity includes stations where contestants will be presented with satellite images for responding to questions listed on a scorecard.

Contest Rules  

1. Contestants need to bring pencils and a clipboard for this event.

2. Contestants will complete the scorecard individually, thus no talking is allowed.  

3. The question format typically is matching and multiple choice, though true/false and fill-inthe-blank questions may be asked.  

4. This activity includes stations with satellite images for responding to questions.

5. Contestants will be given 30 minutes to answer questions and record information on a score sheet.

Content Areas  

Identifying features and interpreting wildlife habitat from satellite images is important for understanding types of habitat present, and where certain wildlife habitat practices can be implemented. Questions may require knowledge of portions of the handbook including Satellite Image Interpretation, Wildlife Concepts and Terms, and Wildlife Species Descriptions for those species in the announced region. 

Contestants will be asked to identify map features.  A feature, such as a stream, road, or deciduous forest will be marked on the map for identification and selection from a list of map features. Note that the sample scorecard and word bank lists examples of the types of features to identify

Contestants will be asked to compare which habitat is best for a particular wildlife species.  For example, white-tailed deer prefer areas with a lot of edge habitat compared to an eastern fox squirrel, which prefers mature forests.