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At least 397 records · Page 22

Use of LANDSAT data for resources investigation in the lower basin of Danube and Danube Delta

The author has identified the following significant results. A most important is that bands 4 and 5 very clearly show the sedimentary discharge into the sea and the spreading regime in the sea at the mouth of the Danube and out at sea at great distances to over 100 km. Another particularly significant result is shown by bands 6 and 7, presenting the successive stages of sediments in the Danube Delta, with the clear marking of the separation between the fluvial and marine delta. The survey of floods and of some of their effects may also be studied on all of the bands in the complex area of the Danube Delta and in the lower basin of the Danube.

Oprescu, N.↗

The identification of cloud types in LANDSAT MSS images

The author has identified the following significant results. Five general families of clouds were identified: cumulonimbiform, cumuliform, stratiform, stratocumuliform, and cirriform. Four members of this five-fold primary division of clouds were further divided into a number of subgroups. The MSS observed and recorded earth radiation in four different wavebands. Two of these bands (4 and 5) image in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, while the others (6 and 7) image the short wave portion, or just into the infrared. The main differences between the appearances of clouds in the four wavebands are related to the background brightness of land and sea surfaces.

Barrett, E. C.↗

Southern Arizona riparian habitat: Spatial distribution and analysis

The objectives of this study were centered around the demonstration of remote sensing as an inventory tool and researching the multiple uses of riparian vegetation. Specific study objectives were to: (1) map riparian vegetation along the Gila River, San Simon Creek, San Pedro River, Pantano Wash, (2) determine the feasibility of automated mapping using LANDSAT-1 computer compatible tapes, (3) locate and summarize existing mpas delineating riparian vegetation, (4) summarize data relevant to Southern Arizona's riparian products and uses, (5) document recent riparian vegetation changes along a selected portion of the San Pedro River, (6) summarize historical changes in composition and distribution of riparian vegetation, and (7) summarize sources of available photography pertinent to Southern Arizona.

Lacey, J. R.↗

Prelaunch absolute radiometric calibration of LANDSAT-4 protoflight Thematic Mapper

Results are summarized and analyzed from several prelaunch tests with a 122 cm integrating sphere used as part of the absolute radiometric calibration experiments for the protoflight TM sensor carried on the LANDSAT-4 satellite. The calibration procedure is presented and the radiometric sensitivity of the TM is assessed. The internal calibrator and dynamic range after calibration are considered. Tables show dynamic range after ground processing, spectral radiance to digital number and digital number to spectral radiance values for TM bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and for channel 4 of band 6.

Barker, J. L.↗

Study of LANDSAT-D thematic mapper performance as applied to hydrocarbon exploration

Many scenes of particular interest have a light dusting of snow cover. The possible use of hue-saturation-intensity transformations to reduce the effect of snow cover is being investigated. A tape of the Greeley, Colorado scene was reviewed on the interactive system and image types to be produced (decorrelated 2,3,4; natural color 1,2,3,; hue separation value 5/2,5/7 eigen 1; 4,5,7 in two color combinations) were selected. In several instances, a 1,3,4 combination produces a more useful false color infrared version of TM data than the more common 2,3,4 arrangement, probably because band 1 is less highly correlated with the band 3 and 4 than is band 2. A review of spacecraft performance suggests that the standard corrections applied at GSFC are more complicated than necessary in some areas and insufficient in other cases. The image motion compensation device on the TM works so well that bow-typing effects are very small; there are differences in the radiometry of forward and backward scans that make additional calibration necessary.

Source record↗

Evaluation of criteria for selecting the spectral attributes of digital LANDSAT MSS imagery for discriminating lithological units in the lower Curaca River Valley, Bahia

The use of spectral attributes criteria was investigated, based on measures of statistical distance of separability between thematic classes in MSS digital LANDSAT imagery, in order to select the best subsets of channels in composite colors for the detection and discrimination of lithological units in the lower valley of Curaca River, State of Bahia, Brazil. Three situations were investigated: (1) selection of the three best channels, considering all of the original bands (channels 4, 5, 6, and 7); (2) selection of the three best bands, considering the six MSS band-ratios (channels 4/5, 4/6. 4/7, 5/6, 5/7, and 6/7); and (3) selection of the three best bands in a hybrid approach (the four original bands and the six ratios). A visual analysis was done on color composite images using the selected sets. Results show that the hybrid product (bands 4, 5/7, and 7 with green, blue, and red respectively) and the Normal Color Composite (bands 4, 5, and 7 with blue, green, and red colors respectively) had the best performance.

Paradella, W. R.↗

Harmonized Landsat/Sentinel-2 Reflectance Products for Land Monitoring (Invited)

Many land applications require more frequent observations than can be obtained from a single 'Landsat class' sensor. Agricultural monitoring, inland water quality assessment, stand-scale phenology, and numerous other applications all require near-daily imagery at better than 1ha resolution. Thus the land science community has begun expressing a desire for a '30-meter MODIS' global monitoring capability. One cost-effective way to achieve this goal is via merging data from multiple, international observatories into a single virtual constellation. The Harmonized Landsat/Sentinel-2 (HLS) project has been working to generate a seamless surface reflectance product by combining observations from USGS/NASA Landsat-8 and ESA Sentinel-2. Harmonization in this context requires a series of radiometric and geometric transforms to create a single surface reflectance time series agnostic to sensor origin. Radiometric corrections include a common atmospheric correction using the Landsat-8 LaSRC/6S approach, a simple BRDF adjustment to constant solar and nadir view angle, and spectral bandpass adjustments to fit the Landsat-8 OLI reference. Data are then resampled to a consistent 30m UTM grid, using the Sentinel-2 global tile system. Cloud and shadow masking are also implemented. Quality assurance (QA) involves comparison of the output 30m HLS products with near-simultaneous MODIS nadir-adjusted observations. Prototoype HLS products have been processed for approximately 7% of the global land area using the NASA Earth Exchange (NEX) compute environment at NASA Ames, and can be downloaded from the HLS web site (https://hls.gsfc.nasa.gov). A wall-to-wall North America data set is being prepared for 2018. This talk will review the objectives and status of the HLS project, and illustrate applications of high-density optical time series data for agriculture and ecology. We also discuss lessons learned from HLS in the general context of implementing virtual constellations.

Reflectance↗

Spectral mapping of Alaskan ophiolites using Landsat Thematic Mapper data

Ophiolites are sections of oceanic lithosphere that have been exposed by thrusting in mountain belts. Thematic Mapper three-band color composites have been used to differentiate the main rock types of the ophiolites of the western Brooks Range, Alaska, and to map mineralogic variations produced by processes that affect oceanic lithosphere, such as mantle partial melting, hydration of ultramafic rock, formation of cumulate layers, and hydrothermal alteration and metamorphism of basalt. Scaled composites of TM Bands 7, 3, 1 and 5, 4, 2, and 3, 2, 1, displayed in red, green, and blue are most useful for visually differentiating rocks of the ophiolites. Ternary diagrams of digital number values are used to evaluate color variations observed in the three-band composites. Geologic maps, interpreted from TM images and reconnaissance field studies, are presented for the Asik Mountain, Maiyumerak Mountains, Avan Hills, and Misheguk Mountain ophiolites. The mapping results are being used to guide additional studies of the tectonics of the Brooks Range ophiolites.

Harding, David J.↗

Nature and origin of mineral coatings on volcanic rocks of the Black Mountain, Stonewall Mountain, and Kane Springs, Wash volcanic centers, Southern Nevada

LANDSAT Thematic Mapper imagery was evaluated over 3 Tertiary calderas in southern Nevada. Each volcanic center derived from a highly evolved silici magmatic system represented today by well exposed diverse lithologies. Distinctive imagery contrast between some of the late ash flows and earlier units follows from the high relative reflectance in longer wavelength bands (bands 5 and 7) of the former. Enhancement techniques provide color composite images which highlight some of the units in remarkable color contrast. Inasmuch as coatings on the tuffs are incompletely developed and apparently largely dependent spectrally on rock properties independent of petrochemistry, it is felt that the distinctive imagery characteristics are more a function of primary lithologic or petrochemical properties. Any given outcrop is backdrop for a variety of cover types, of which coatings, at various stages of maturity, are one. Petrographic and X-ray diffraction analysis of the outer air-interface zone of coatings reveal they are composed chiefly of amorphous compounds, probably with varying proportions of iron and manganese. Observations support an origin for some outer (air-interface) coating constituents exogenous to the underlying host.

Taranik, James V.↗

LANDSAT-D Thematic Mapper image dimensionality reduction and geometric correction accuracy

Principal components transformations was applied to a Walnut Creek, Texas subscene to reduce the dimensionality of the multispectral sensor data. This transformation was also applied to a LANDSAT 3 MSS subscene of the same area acquired in a different season and year. Results of both procedures are tabulated and allow for comparisons between TM and MSS data. The TM correlation matrix shows that visible bands 1 to 3 exhibit a high degree of correlation in the range 0.92 to 0.96. Correlation for bands 5 to 7 is 0.93. Band 4 is not highly correlated with any other band, with corrections in the range 0.13 to 0.52. The thermal band (6) is not highly correlated with other bands in the range 0.13 to 0.46. The MSS correlation matrix shows that bands 4 and 5 are highly correlated (0.96) as are bands 6 and 7 with a correlation of 0.92.

Ford, G. E.↗

Success of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)

The paper provides historical data and presents two parameters for evaluating the success of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The TDRSS provides high rate data from missions such as the Shuttle and Landsats, and lower rate data from missions such as the Solar Mesosphere Explorer and the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite. Two parameters have been established as measurements of the ability of the system to transmit user commands and telemetry data, i.e., availability and proficiency. Availability is the system's readiness to support any and all user requirements 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Proficiency is the ratio of actual support provided to scheduled support.

Harris, David W.↗

LANDSAT 4 investigations of thematic mapper and multispectral scanner applications

The utility of TM data natural resource assessment was evaluated with emphasis on manual interpretation and digital classification. The improved spatial resolution of TM data, as compared with MSS data, aided in the location of roads, small stock ponds, and many other land features, permitting positive identification of landmarks. With the TM, there was more efficient manual interpretation of land use, better identification of resource types, and improved assessment of the ecological status of natural vegetation. Band 5 and band 7 aided in defining water resources, wetland vegetation resources, and other terrain features. Results from TM and TM simulator data suggest that the coefficient of variation for major land cover types is less for TM data than for equivalent MSS data. Although the amount of information in bands 5 and 7 is small, it is unique since the same information cannot be derived from the MSS four-band spectral region.

Lauer, D. T.↗

The statewide forest/nonforest classification of Pennsylvania using Landsat MSS data

A procedure is described for processing the large volume of data needed to generate a Landsat-derived forest resource map (forest/nonforest mask) for the state of Pennsylvania, for use in a defoliation assessment program. Landsat coverage of the 28 million acres encompassing Pennsylvania requires portions of ten Landsat frames, totalling approximately 76 million pixels. A prime effort of this project was to efficiently and accurately classify this data into forest or nonforest categories. A specialized approach to Bayesian classification was developed which involved the use of MSS5 and MSS7; the identification of a single class, forest; and the use of the confidence map to generate the forest/nonforest mask. Statewide, for 7-acre contiguous forest areas, the overall agreement achieved between the mask and reference data was 90 percent.

Russo, S. A.↗

Radiometric Calibration and Stability of the Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)

Landsat-8 and its two Earth imaging sensors, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) have been operating on-orbit for 2 1/2 years. The OLI radiometric calibration, which is monitored using on-board lamps, on-board solar diffusers, the moon and vicarious calibration techniques has been stable to within 1% over this period of time. The Coastal Aerosol band, band 1, shows the largest change at about 1% over the period; all other bands have shown no significant trend. OLI bands 1- 4 show small discontinuities in response (+0.1% to 0.2%) beginning about 7 months after launch and continuing for about 1 month associated with a power cycling of the instrument, though the origin of the recovery is unclear. To date these small changes have not been compensated for, but this will change with a reprocessing campaign that is currently scheduled for Fall 2015. The calibration parameter files (each typically covering a 3 month period) will be updated for these observed gain changes. A fitted response to an adjusted average of the lamps, solar and lunar results will represent the trend, sampled at the rate of one value per CPF.

radiometric stability↗

Radiometric Calibration and Stability of the Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)

Landsat-8 and its two Earth imaging sensors, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) have been operating on-orbit for 2 1/2 years. The OLI radiometric calibration, which is monitored using on-board lamps, on-board solar diffusers, the moon and vicarious calibration techniques has been stable to within 1% over this period of time. The Coastal Aerosol band, band 1, shows the largest change at about 1% over the period; all other bands have shown no significant trend. OLI bands 1- 4 show small discontinuities in response (+0.1% to 0.2%) beginning about 7 months after launch and continuing for about 1 month associated with a power cycling of the instrument, though the origin of the recovery is unclear. To date these small changes have not been compensated for, but this will change with a reprocessing campaign that is currently scheduled for Fall 2015. The calibration parameter files (each typically covering a 3 month period) will be updated for these observed gain changes. A fitted response to an adjusted average of the lamps, solar and lunar results will represent the trend, sampled at the rate of one value per CPF.

radiometry↗

Remote sensing program

A syllabus and training materials prepared and used in a series of one-day workshops to introduce modern remote sensing technology to selected groups of professional personnel in Vermont are described. Success in using computer compatible tapes, LANDSAT imagery and aerial photographs is reported for the following applications: (1) mapping defoliation of hardwood forests by tent caterpillar and gypsy moth; (2) differentiating conifer species; (3) mapping ground cover of major lake and pond watersheds; (4) inventorying and locating artificially regenerated conifer forest stands; (5) mapping water quality; (6) ascertaining the boat population to quantify recreational activity on lakes and waterways; and (7) identifying potential aquaculture sites.

Whitmore, R. A., Jr.↗

Performance of the Landsat-Data Collection System in a Total System Context

The author has identified the following significant results. This experiment was, and continues to be, an integration of the LANDSAT-DCS with the data collection and processing system of the Geological Survey. Although an experimental demonstration, it was a successful integration of a satellite relay system that is capable of continental data collection, and an existing governmental nationwide operational data processing and distributing networks. The Survey's data processing system uses a large general purpose computer with insufficient redundancy for 24-hour a day, 7 day a week operation. This is significant, but soluble obstacle to converting the experimental integration of the system to an operational integration.

Paulson, R. W.↗

Comparison of radiation and cloud parameters derived from satellite and aircraft measurements during FIRE 2 cirrus IFO

Meteorological satellite instrument pixel sizes are often much greater than the individual cloud elements in a given scene. Partially cloud-filled pixels can be misinterpreted in many analysis schemes because the techniques usually assume that all of the cloudy pixels are cloud filled. Coincident Landsat and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data and degraded-resolution Landsat data were used to study the effects of both sensor resolution and analysis techniques on satellite-derived cloud parameters. While extremely valuable for advancing the understanding of these effects, these previous studies were relatively limited in the number of cloud conditions that were observed and by the limited viewing and illumination conditions. During the First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) Phase 2 (13 Nov. - 7 Dec. 1991), the NASA ER-2 made several flights over a wide range of cloud fields and backgrounds with several high resolution sensors useful for a variety of purposes including serving as ground truth for satellite-based cloud retrievals. This paper takes a first look at utilizing the ER-2 for validating cloud parameters derived from GOES and NOAA-11 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data.

Heck, Patrick W.↗