Ecosystem services are the contributions of nature to human well-being — for example, the provision of raw materials, carbon sequestration and recreation. Although relatively new, the study of these essential services has developed rapidly and is now included in many global policies and assessments. However, mapping and modelling these services is restricted by the availability of data that can account for the multidimensional traits of ecosystem services and model coupled social–ecological systems. Traditional datasets, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, are often not viable on the scale necessary for many ecosystem service assessments.
in Ecology
