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Hoffer, R. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Hoffer, R. M..

At least 55 records · Page 3

An interdisciplinary analysis of multispectral satellite data for selected cover types in the Colorado Mountains, using automatic data processing techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. MSS data on the area near Lake Hope and San Miguel on the Ophir and Mt. Wilson quadrangles were classified. Two vein-like areas of alteration were apparent, along with the hill wash composed primarily of altered rock. These areas were quite delineated. A small oval patch of shadowed alteration was classified in a location in which alteration was previously unnoticed during an airphoto study.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

An interdisciplinary analysis of multispectral satellite data for selected cover types in the Colorado Mountains, using automatic data processing techniques

The author has reported the following significant results. A data set containing SKYLAB, LANDSAT, and topographic data has been overlayed, registered, and geometrically corrected to a scale of 1:24,000. After geometrically correcting both sets of data, the SKYLAB data were overlayed on the LANDSAT data. Digital topographic data were then obtained, reformatted, and a data channel containing elevation information was then digitally overlayed onto the LANDSAT and SKYLAB spectral data. The 14,039 square kilometers involving 2,113, 776 LANDSAT pixels represents a relatively large data set available for digital analysis. The overlayed data set enables investigators to numerically analyze and compare two sources of spectral data and topographic data from any point in the scene. This capability is new and it will permit a numerical comparison of spectral response with elevation, slope, and aspect. Utilization of the spectral and topographic data together to obtain more accurate classifications of the various cover types present is feasible.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

Snow cover monitoring by machine processing of multitemporal LANDSAT MSS data

LANDSAT frames were geometrically corrected and data sets from six different dates were overlaid to produce a 24 channel (six dates and four wavelength bands) data tape. Changes in the extent of the snowpack could be accurately and easily determined using a change detection technique on data which had previously been classified by the LARSYS software system. A second phase of the analysis involved determination of the relationship between spatial resolution or data sampling frequency and accuracy of measuring the area of the snowpack.

Luther, S. G.↗

Snowcover mapping by machine processing of Skylab and LANDSAT MSS data

Skylab and LANDSAT MSS data were analyzed using computer-aided analysis techniques (CAAT). Results indicated that the middle infrared wavelength bands of the Skylab S-192 scanner would allow effective discrimination between snowcover and water-droplet clouds, whereas the limited spectral response of the LANDSAT-1 or 2 scanners do not allow such spectral discrimination. Five spectral classes of snowcover were defined and mapped. These classes were found to be related to differences in the proportion of snow and forest cover in the individual resolution elements.

Bartolucci, L. A.↗

Computer-aided analysis of Landsat-1 MSS data - A comparison of three approaches, including a 'modified clustering' approach

Three approaches for analyzing Landsat-1 data from Ludwig Mountain in the San Juan Mountain range in Colorado are considered. In the 'supervised' approach the analyst selects areas of known spectral cover types and specifies these to the computer as training fields. Statistics are obtained for each cover type category and the data are classified. Such classifications are called 'supervised' because the analyst has defined specific areas of known cover types. The second approach uses a clustering algorithm which divides the entire training area into a number of spectrally distinct classes. Because the analyst need not define particular portions of the data for use but has only to specify the number of spectral classes into which the data is to be divided, this classification is called 'nonsupervised'. A hybrid method which selects training areas of known cover type but then uses the clustering algorithm to refine the data into a number of unimodal spectral classes is called the 'modified-supervised' approach.

Fleming, M. D.↗

Computer-aided analysis of Skylab scanner data for land use mapping, forestry and water resource applications

Skylab data were obtained over a mountainous test site containing a complex association of cover types and rugged topography. The application of computer-aided analysis techniques to the multispectral scanner data produced a number of significant results. Techniques were developed to digitally overlay topographic data (elevation, slope, and aspect) onto the S-192 MSS data to provide a method for increasing the effectiveness and accuracy of computer-aided analysis techniques for cover type mapping. The S-192 MSS data were analyzed using computer techniques developed at Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing (LARS), Purdue University. Land use maps, forest cover type maps, snow cover maps, and area tabulations were obtained and evaluated. These results compared very well with information obtained by conventional techniques. Analysis of the spectral characteristics of Skylab data has conclusively proven the value of the middle infrared portion of the spectrum (about 1.3-3.0 micrometers), a wavelength region not previously available in multispectral satellite data.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

An interdisciplinary analysis of multispectral satellite data for selected cover types in the Colorado mountains, using automatic data processing techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. In the San Juan Mountains there exists a group of structural and topographic features which suggest a common origin. The relative positions of the San Juan Depression with the Silverton and Lake City Calderas indicate they are possibly on the edge of a large circular feature. Comparison with the 1:250,000 scale Durango Geologic Map reveals a series of radial and arcuate faults concentric with the major circular feature. Such a fracture pattern implies that the circular feature may represent the extent of a major domal uplift in the area. The uplift was very likely due to the sub-crustal emplacement of the parent magma of the San Juan volcanics and intrusives. The broad doming led to the formation of a zone of tensional ring fractures which acted as conduits of release for the magma and the eventual development of the various calderas. The ring fracturing was probably incomplete with hinging occurring in the southern and southwestern portions of the dome accounting for the lack of development of caldera structures in that portion of the area.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

An interdisciplinary analysis of Colorado Rocky Mountain environments using ADP techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. Good ecological, classification accuracy (90-95%) can be achieved in areas of rugged relief on a regional basis for Level 1 cover types (coniferous forest, deciduous forest, grassland, cropland, bare rock and soil, and water) using computer-aided analysis techniques on ERTS/MSS data. Cost comparisons showed that a Level 1 cover type map and a table of areal estimates could be obtained for the 443,000 hectare San Juan Mt. test site for less than 0.1 cent per acre, whereas photointerpretation techniques would cost more than 0.4 cent per acre. Results of snow cover mapping have conclusively proven that the areal extent of snow in mountainous terrain can be rapidly and economically mapped by using ERTS/MSS data and computer-aided analysis techniques. A distinct relationship between elevation and time of freeze or thaw was observed, during mountain lake mapping. Basic lithologic units such as igneous, sedimentary, and unconsolidated rock materials were successfully identified. Geomorphic form, which is exhibited through spatial and textual data, can only be inferred from ERTS data. Data collection platform systems can be utilized to produce satisfactory data from extremely inaccessible locations that encounter very adverse weather conditions, as indicated by results obtained from a DCP located at 3,536 meters elevation that encountered minimum temperatures of -25.5 C and wind speeds of up to 40.9m/sec (91 mph), but which still performed very reliably.

Hoffer, R. M.↗