The aim of the project was to develop a process that would enable identifying the valuable living environments of the border area in order to plan the use of their natural resources. Modern high-resolution satellite images can be well exploited in applying exact location-specific data for the inventory and usage planning of natural resources. For example, IKONOS satellite images allow the use of precision matching one metre or even less. Successful satellitebased reading would be significantly more efficient and cost-effective than the traditional terrain mapping. Achievements: The project developed a procedure that enables a preliminary identification of valuable living environments using high-resolution satellite and aerial images. The project exploited, according to the project plan, high-resolution satellite images and, for the first time, high-resolution aerial photographs obtained by flying a model aeroplane (UAV) supplied with an autopilot and acquired for the project. Along with high-resolution satellite and aerial images, extensive terrain test pieces were used, which were collected from 176 test areas both in North Karelia and in the areas surrounding Suojärvi and Muezersky in Russian Karelia. The project had access to terrain material covering some of the researched areas, precise photographs and high-resolution satellite imagery of varying precisions. As a result of the project, it can be stated that potentially valuable living environments can be identified with highresolution images and hence concentrate on these areas in fieldwork, which produces significant cost efficiency. The results of the project offer possibilities to develop environmental surveillance cost-effectively.