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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Satellite cloud climatology of summertime cumulus research areas

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program data available for the summer of 1974 was used to construct a cloud climatology of areas where weather modification experiments are currently being conducted or planned; the three High Plains Experiment sites at Colby, Kansas, Big Springs, Texas, and Miles City, Montana; South Park, Colorado, where the South Park Area Cumulus Experiment is being conducted; and the National Hail Research Experiment area in northeastern Colorado. Digital data tapes were produced from the transparencies, obtained from the sun-synchronous polar-orbiting satellite passing over the study areas at about 1200 local time, and a computer analysis was carried out, producing areas and numbers of clouds for each area and day as well as providing data for cumulative averages over selected time periods for each study area.

Stodt, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Ground truth management system to support multispectral scanner /MSS/ digital analysis

A computerized geographic information system for management of ground truth has been designed and implemented to relate MSS classification results to in situ observations. The ground truth system transforms, generalizes and rectifies ground observations to conform to the pixel size and shape of high resolution MSS aircraft data. These observations can then be aggregated for comparison to lower resolution sensor data. Construction of a digital ground truth array allows direct pixel by pixel comparison between classification results of MSS data and ground truth. By making comparisons, analysts can identify spatial distribution of error within the MSS data as well as usual figures of merit for the classifications. Use of the ground truth system permits investigators to compare a variety of environmental or anthropogenic data, such as soil color or tillage patterns, with classification results and allows direct inclusion of such data into classification operations. To illustrate the system, examples from classification of simulated Thematic Mapper data for agricultural test sites in North Dakota and Kansas are provided.

Coiner, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Wheat productivity estimates using LANDSAT data

The author has identified the following significant results. Large area LANDSAT yield estimates were generated. These results were compared with estimates computed using a meteorological yield model (CCEA). Both of these estimates were compared with Kansas Crop and Livestock Reporting Service (KCLRS) estimates of yield, in an attempt to assess the relative and absolute accuracy of the LANDSAT and CCEA estimates. Results were inconclusive. A large area direct wheat prediction procedure was implemented. Initial results have produced a wheat production estimate comparable with the KCLRS estimate.

Nalepka, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Planting data and wheat yield models

The author has identified the following significant results. A variable date starter model for spring wheat depending on temperature was more precise than a fixed date model. The same conclusions for fall-planted wheat were not reached. If the largest and smallest of eight temperatures were used to estimate daily maximum and minimum temperatures; respectively, a 1-4 F bias would be introduced into these extremes. For Kansas, a reduction of 0.5 bushels/acre in the root-mean-square-error between model and SRS yields was achieved by a six fold increase (7 to 42) in the density of weather stations. An additional reduction of 0.3 b/A was achieved by incorporating losses due to rusts in the model.

Feyerherm, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Investigations of spectral separability of small grains, early season wheat detection, and multicrop inventory planning

The author has identified the following significant results. LANDSAT data from seven 5 by 6 segments having crop type information were analyzed to determine the potential for spectral separation of spring wheat from other small grains as an alternative to the primary LACIE procedure for estimating spring wheat acreage. Within segment field-center, classification accuracies for spring wheat vs. barley tended to be best in mid-July when crop color changes were in progress. When correlations were made for differences in atmospheric haze, data from several segments could be aggregated, and results that approached within segment accuracies were obtained for selected dates. LACIE field measurement spectral reflectance data provided information on both wheat development patterns and the importance of various agronomic factors on wheat reflectance, the most important being availability of soil moisture. To investigate early season detection for winter wheat, reflectance of developing wheat patterns was simulated through reflectance modeling and was analyzed along with field measured reflectance from a Kansas site. The green component development of the wheat field was analyzed as a function of data throughout the season. A selected threshold was not crossed by all fields until mid-April. These reflectance data were shown to be consistent actual LANDSAT data.

Nalepka, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Two phase sampling for wheat acreage estimation

A two phase LANDSAT-based sample allocation and wheat proportion estimation method was developed. This technique employs manual, LANDSAT full frame-based wheat or cultivated land proportion estimates from a large number of segments comprising a first sample phase to optimally allocate a smaller phase two sample of computer or manually processed segments. Application to the Kansas Southwest CRD for 1974 produced a wheat acreage estimate for that CRD within 2.42 percent of the USDA SRS-based estimate using a lower CRD inventory budget than for a simulated reference LACIE system. Factor of 2 or greater cost or precision improvements relative to the reference system were obtained.

Thomas, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Experimental and theoretical sound transmission

The capabilities of the Kansas University- Flight Research Center for investigating panel sound transmission as a step toward the reduction of interior noise in general aviation aircraft were discussed. Data obtained on panels with holes, on honeycomb panels, and on various panel treatments at normal incidence were documented. The design of equipment for panel transmission loss tests at nonnormal (slanted) sound incidence was described. A comprehensive theory-based prediction method was developed and shows good agreement with experimental observations of the stiffness controlled, the region, the resonance controlled region, and the mass-law region of panel vibration.

Roskam, J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solar heating and cooling system design and development

The progress of the program during the sixth program quarter is reported. The program calls for the development and delivery of eight prototype solar heating and cooling systems for installation and operational test. The William O'Brien single-family heating system was installed and is operational. The New Castle single-family heating residence is under construction. The Kansas University (KU) system is in the final design stages. The 25 ton cooling subsystem for KU is the debugging stage. Pressure drops that were greater than anticipated were encountered. The 3 ton simulation work is being finalized and the design parameters for the Rankine system were determined from simulation output.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

Two phase sampling for wheat acreage estimation

A two-phase Landsat-based sample allocation and wheat proportion estimation method was developed. The technique employs manual, Landsat full frame-based wheat or cultivated land proportion estimates from a large number of segments comprising a first sample phase to optimally allocate a small phase-two sample of computer or manually processed segments. Proportion estimates from each phase are then linked by regression or probability proportional to estimated size estimators to provide wheat proportion estimates and standard errors by reporting unit. Application to the Kansas Southwest CRD (Crop Reporting District) for 1974 produced a wheat acreage estimate for that CRD within 2.42% of the USDA SRS-based estimate using a lower CRD inventory budget than for a simulated reference LACIE (Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment) system.

Thomas, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Using Landsat data to estimate evapotranspiration of winter wheat

Results obtained from an evapotranspiration model as applied to Kansas winter wheatfields were compared with results determined by a weighing lysimeter, and the standard deviation was found to be less than 0.5 mm/day (however, the 95% confidence interval was between plus and minus 0.2 mm/day). Model inputs are solar radiation, temperature, precipitation, and leaf area index; an equation was developed to estimate the leaf area index from Landsat data. The model provides estimates of transpiration, evaporation, and soil moisture.

Kanemasu, E. T.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evaluating soil moisture and yield of winter wheat in the Great Plains using Landsat data

Locating areas where soil moisture is limiting to crop growth is important for estimating winter-wheat yields on a regional basis. In the 1975-76 growing season, we evaluated soil-moisture conditions and winter-wheat yields for a five-state region of the Great Plains using Landsat estimates of leaf area index (LAI) and an evapotranspiration (ET) model described by Kanemasu et al (1977). Because LAI was used as an input, the ET model responded to changes in crop growth. Estimated soil-water depletions were high for the Nebraska Panhandle, southwestern Kansas, southeastern Colorado, and the Texas Panhandle. Estimated yields in five-state region ranged from 1.0 to 2.9 metric ton/ha.

Heilman, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Great Bend tornadoes of August 30, 1974

Photogrammetric analyses of movies and still pictures taken of the Great Bend, Kansas Tornado series have been used to develop design specifications for nuclear power plants and facilities. A maximum tangential velocity of 57 m/sec and a maximum vertical velocity of 27 m/sec are determined for one suction vortex having a translational velocity of 32 m/sec. Three suction vortices with radii in the 20 to 30 m range are noted in the flow field of one tornado; these suction vortices apparently form a local convergence of inflow air inside the outer portion of the tornado core.

Umenhofer, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Two phase sampling for wheat acreage estimation

A two phase Landsat-based sample allocation and wheat proportion estimation method was developed. This technique employs manual, Landsat full frame-based wheat or cultivated land proportion estimates from a large number of segments comprising a first sample phase to optimally allocate a smaller phase two sample of computer or manually processed segments. Application to the Kansas Southwest CRD for 1974 produced a wheat acreage estimate for that CRD within 2.42 percent of the USDA SRS-based estimate using a lower CRD inventory budget than for a simulated reference LACIE system. Factor of 2 or greater cost or precision improvements relative to the reference system were obtained

Thomas, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Area estimation of crops by digital analysis of Landsat data

The study for which the results are presented had these objectives: (1) to use Landsat data and computer-implemented pattern recognition to classify the major crops from regions encompassing different climates, soils, and crops; (2) to estimate crop areas for counties and states by using crop identification data obtained from the Landsat identifications; and (3) to evaluate the accuracy, precision, and timeliness of crop area estimates obtained from Landsat data. The paper describes the method of developing the training statistics and evaluating the classification accuracy. Landsat MSS data were adequate to accurately identify wheat in Kansas; corn and soybean estimates for Indiana were less accurate. Systematic sampling of entire counties made possible by computer classification methods resulted in very precise area estimates at county, district, and state levels.

Bauer, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). Detection of episodic phenomena on LANDSAT imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Episodic phenomena such as rainfall shortly before data pass, thin translucent clouds, cloud shadows, and aircraft condensation trails and their shadows are responsible for changes in the spectral reflectivities of some surfaces. These changes are readily detected on LANDSAT full-frame imagery. Histograms of selected areas in Kansas show a distinct decrease in mean radiance values, but also, an increase in scene contrast, in areas where recent rains had occurred. Histograms from a few individual fields indicate that the mean radiance values for winter wheat followed a different trend after a rainfall than alfalfa or grasses.

Chesnutwood, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). LANDSAT 3X gain study

The author has identified the following results. The maximum likelihood classifier on the ERIPS failed to show any improvement in accuracy when comparing high-gain LANDSAT data with the simulated normal-gain data. Even if an improvement in accuracy had been detected, the timespan within the crop growing season when the use of high-gain data could be advantageous is limited. A total of six sets of LANDSAT-1 imagery is available for the analysis of gain effects. Three of the sets are high-gain data in MSS bands 4 and 5, whereas the other three are simulated normal-gain. The four sets obtained over Imperial Valley have good supporting ground truth information for training; the two sets over Kansas do not. The use of various combinations of the six data sets is recommended in order to uncover the possible advantages of using the data.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). Accuracy assessment report phase 1A, November - December 1974

The author has identified the following significant results. Results of the accuracy assessment activity for Phase IA of LACIE indicated that (1) The 90/90 criteria could be reached if the degree of accuracy of the LACIE performance in Kansas could be equaled in other areas. (2) The classification of both wheat and nonwheat fields was significantly accurate for the three ITS segments analyzed. The wheat field classification accuracy varied for the segments. However, this was not so with respect to nonwheat fields. (3) Biophase as well as its interaction with segment location turned out to be an important factor for the classification performance. Analyst interpretation of segments for training the classifier was a significant error-contributing factor in the estimation of wheat acreage at both the field and the segment levels.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). YES phase 1 yield feasibility report

The author has identified the following significant results. Each state model was separately evaluated to determine if a projected performance to the country level would satisfy a 90/90 criterion. All state models, except the North Dakota and Kansas models, satisfied that criterion both for district estimates aggregated to the state level and for state estimates directly from the models. In addition to the tests of the 90/90 criterion, the models were examined for their ability to adequately respond to fluctuations in weather. This portion of the analysis was based on a subjective interpretation of values of certain description statistics. As a result, 10 of the 12 models were judged to respond inadequately to variation in weather-related variables.

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