How Species Distribution Models Are Made (IMAGE) University of Turku Caption How species distribution models are made. The satellite (top left) registers sunlight reflected by individual trees (middle left) and the forest canopy in general (top right). Reflectance differences can be visualised in a simple colour composite (middle right; forests in green, deforestated areas in red). The machine learning algorithms convert the spectral information from the localities where individual trees of a species have been observed to a map of predicted habitat suitability (bottom; blue represents low and red high suitability). Credit Pablo Pérez Chaves Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.