Mapping and Assessment of the Cenotic Diversity of the Forests of the Moscow Region

The growing population density of large metropolitan areas means an increase in ecological and social importance of the forest cover’s biodiversity. The lack of up-to-date cartographic materials makes it difficult to assess the quality of the natural environment and to preserve valuable natural objects while taking into account the conditions of habitats and types of land use. The aim of this work was to identify and map the cenotic diversity of the forest cover of the Moscow region. To study the spatial structure of communities, remote data (Sentinel-2A, PALSAR radar images), digital relief models (DRM SRTM) in combination with ground survey data were used. To compensate for the scarce and uneven distribution of field data, the training sample alignment approach was used with the selection of the optimal modelling algorithm (“random forest”). Cartographic models have been developed for the modern phytocenotic diversity of the Moscow region’s forest cover, for thematic units of the formation (11 classes) and group of associations (31 classes) ranks, accompanied by a detailed legend. Statistical methods and the digital format of the cartographic materials determine the approach’s adaptability and the necessary updating of the materials. The proposed mapping technique and the performed assessment of the typological diversity of the forests can be used to create a spatial basis for monitoring the biodiversity of the forests in the Moscow region and the urban forests of Moscow.