Remote sensing is not just used for measuring the
status of reefs. Anumber of studies are continuing to
investigate the scientific and management applications
of detailed reef mapping. For example, Roelfsema et al.
(2002) have used Landsat TM imagery to investigate the
spatial distribution of microalgae on reefs. Andrefou€et
and Payri (2001) have made large-scale assessments of
reef productivity in French Polynesia by using SPOT
images to scale-up field measurements of production
and calcification in individual lagoonal habitats.
Mumby (2001) has developed methods that
explicitly link the species composition of individual
communities to maps of community distribution. Such
methods identify hotspots of beta and habitat diversity
and aid spatial decision-making.