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At least 595 records · Page 33

Remote sensing of land use changes in US metropolitan regions: Techniques of analysis and opportunities for application

A graphic description is given of the Census Cities ERTS experiment in urban change detection using remote sensors. The relationship or model between land use data from sensors and socio-demographic data from the census is partly demonstrated. The example suggests how knowledge of land use changes acquired by sensors can be used to make estimates of population, and other attributes. The feasibility of nationwide mapping of land use, and land use changes, by direct computer classification of ERTS-1 multispectral digital data is also demonstrated. Potential applications in state and regional planning are many, and some are named. But the longer-range gains are likely to be improved understanding by legislators, managers and voters as to what it is that makes the country tick. One of the specific tasks could be the allocation of revenues to be shared.

Wray, J. R.↗

The use of remote sensing in mosquito control

The technology of remote sensing, developed by the space program for identification of surface features from the vantage point of an aircraft or satellite, has substantial application in precisely locating mosquito breeding grounds. Preliminary results of the NASA technology working cooperatively with a city government agency in solving this problem are discussed.

Source record↗

Remote sensing for evaluating post-disaster damage conditions: The Pierre, South Dakota tornado, 23 July 1973

Remote sensing data obtained from aerial reconnaissance of tornado damage to the city of Pierre, South Dakota on July 23, 1973 was evaluated to determine its value as a decision making and management tool in post-disaster restoration activities. The imaging techniques used are briefly discussed, and both aerial and closeup color photographs are provided which were used in the evaluation. The immediate advantages of the data are identified as a 'quick-look' assessment, and a list is given which outlines the additional advantages for which positive rescue and cleanup action may be initiated. Hail and flood damage evaluation, and remote sensing of crop damage due to insect of disease infestation is also briefly described.

Rusche, A. E.↗

Skylab-3 handheld photography alphabetized geographical features list

The data was thoroughly researched using the Times Index-Gazetteer of the World, the Times Atlas of the World, and the National Atlas of the United States of America to ensure correct spelling and location of named features. The spelling and major geographical features applied to smaller features (minor) such as cities, towns, mountain peaks, etc., are in accordance with these publications. It is understood that some political boundaries and names of countries are subject to change. The data was written on NASA keypunch transmittal sheets and punched into data cards. These data cards were then machine sorted alphabetically by major feature and minor feature.

Mcniel, J. L.↗

Energy impact of short-haul STOL systems

An analysis has been made to evaluate the impact on fuel requirements of a segregated short-haul system. A comparison has been made between two alternate scenarios: one with STOL, and the other without STOL. For the New York to Washington, D.C. city pair the results show: (1) the modal efficiency approach, while indicating the with STOL scenario requires more fuel than the without STOL scenario, is of questionable validity because it does not account for various effects which exist in realistic scenarios; (2) evaluation of fuel requirements based on more detailed modeling indicates that while a STOL scenario requires more fuel than without STOL when an idealized CTOL system is postulated, the STOL scenario requires less fuel than without STOL when the CTOL system has even moderate delays. These results are due to a combination of effects: the closer and more convenient locations of STOL ports to the traveler, congestion at the CTOL airports, and the impact of the through passenger traffic. Sensitivity of results to STOL aircraft block fuel and to CTOL congestion delays are considered.

Stewart, E. C.↗

Agricultural terrain scatterometer observations with emphasis on soil moisture variations

Airborne scatterometer observations were made for agricultural terrain in May and June, 1970 at a NASA test site near Garden City, Kansas. Data from 13.3 GHz and 400 MHz scatterometer were analyzed. It was observed that for incidence angle less than 40 degrees, the 13.3 GHz data showed a difference in backscatter from wet and dry fields of the order of 7 db. The averages of the various crop types were within a spread of only 5 db. Other ground parameters such as cultivation pattern and vegetation row effects showed even less distinguishing characteristics on the backscatter. The 400 MHz data also showed a slight moisture dependency.

King, C.↗

Lake Superior water quality near Duluth from analysis of aerial photos and ERTS imagery

ERTS imagery of Lake Superior in the late summer of 1972 shows dirty water near the city of Duluth. Water samples and simultaneous photographs were taken on three separate days following a heavy storm which caused muddy runoff water. The water samples were analyzed for turbidity, color, and solids. Reflectance and transmittance characteristics of the water samples were determined with a spectrophotometer apparatus. This same apparatus attached to a microdensitometer was used to analyze the photographs for the approximate colors or wavelengths of reflected energy that caused the exposure. Although other parameters do correlate for any one particular day, it is only the water quality parameter of turbidity that correlates with the aerial imagery on all days, as the character of the dirty water changes due to settling and mixing.

Scherz, J. P.↗

Estimating population from photographically determined residential land use types

The study reported was concerned with the development of a methodology for updating published census data during intercensal periods. The new approach utilizes aerial photographs as a primary data source. The methodology, which was devised for estimating the population size of four cities in California, consisted of a simple function relating the measured area of three dominant residential land use types and the characteristic spatial population densities associated with each.

Kraus, S. P.↗

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.↗

Research and investigation of geology, mineral, and water resources of Maryland

The authors have identified the following significant results. Field work in Baltimore County revealed that the signature returns of serpentinitic and nonserpentinitic rocks correlates with the vegetation cover and land use pattern. In Maryland Piedmont, bedrock lithology and structure are enhanced only to the extent that land use is geologically dictated. Two prominent sets of linear features are detected on ERTS-1 imagery at N 45 deg E and N 20 deg E. Beaches of Chesapeake Bay are classified as broad and narrow beaches based on the width of the backshore zone. It is shown by comparing historical shorelines of Ocean City, from the inlet to the Maryland-Delaware line that reversal zones of erosion and accretion occur at different locations for different periods. High reflectance levels (high marsh-high topographic areas) for the lower Eastern Shore are found to be distributed as two distinct trending linear ridge systems. Observations of MSS band 5 dated 9 April 1974 exhibited an unique sedimentation pattern for Chesapeake Bay. Following a 1.5 inch rainfall, heavy concentration of suspended sediments is observed on the imagery, particularly in the area of the turbidity maximum.

Weaver, K. N.↗

Earth Resources: A continuing bibliography with indexes, issue 2

Reports, articles, and other documents announced between April and June 1974 in Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR), and International Aerospace Abstracts (IAA) are cited. Documents related to the identification and evaluation by means of sensors in spacecraft and aircraft of vegetation, minerals, and other natural resources, and the techniques and potentialities of surveying and keeping up-to-date inventories of such riches are included along with studies of such natural phenomena as earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean currents, and magnetic fields; and such cultural phenomena as cities, transportation networks, and irrigation systems. The components and use of remote sensing and geophysical instrumentation, their subsystems, observational procedures, signature and analyses and interpretive techniques for gathering data are, described. All reports generated under NASA's Earth Resources Survey Program for the time period covered are included.

Source record↗

Land use mapping in Erie County, Pennsylvania: A pilot study

The author has identified the following significant results. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of mapping land use in the Great Lakes Basin area utilizing ERTS-1 data. Small streams were clearly defined by the presence of trees along their length in predominantly agricultural country. Field patterns were easily differentiated from forested areas; dairy and beef farms were differentiated from other farmlands, but no attempt was made to identify crops. Large railroad lines and major highway systems were identified. The city of Erie and several smaller towns were identified, as well as residential areas between these towns, and docks along the shoreline in Erie. Marshes, forests, and beaches within Presque Isle State Park were correctly identified, using the DCLUS program. Bay water was differentiated from lake water, with a small amount of misclassification.

Mcmurtry, G. J.↗

Tidewater metropolitan area transportation survey study

Results of a survey conducted in southeastern Virginia to identify public opinion regarding requirements for future public transportation are analyzed. The effects of age and income level on attitudes concerning city living and no importance of various characteristics described for urban transportation systems are identified.

Ficht, J. C.↗

Jumbo tornado outbreak of 3 April 1974

General meteorological data concerning the Jumbo tornado outbreak are presented. In terms of tornado number and total path mileage, it was more extensive than all known outbreaks. Most of the intense tornadoes avoided the large cities, however. Turn information is analyzed in detail. Left-turn tornadoes were more intense than right-turn tornadoes. Many important phenomena were observed, such as multiple suction vortices, family tornadoes, and cousin tornadoes spawned from interacting tornado cyclones. Aerial survey data will aid greatly in the solution of various scales of rotating motions, leading to improved prediction and warning of tornadoes.

Fujita, T. T.↗

Observing prospects for Halley's comet

The expected path and brightness development of Halley's comet soon before and after its perihelion on February 9, 1986 are described. It is concluded that the comet will prove disappointing to most U.S. observers, since it is not expected to equal Kohoutek in peak magnitude (and since this latter comet was disappointing to the general public). Moreover, Halley's comet will be brightest (3rd magnitude) in the southern hemisphere, and increased outdoor lighting by the year 1986 will probably obscure its tail near cities.

Roosen, R. G.↗

Remote sensing applications for urban planning - The LUMIS project

The Santa Monica mountains of Los Angeles consist primarily of complexly folded sedimentary marine strata with igneous and metamorphic rocks at the eastern end of the mountains. With the increased development of the Santa Monicas, a study was conducted to determine the critical land use data items in the mountains. Two information systems developed in parallel are described. One capitalizes on the City's present computer line printer system, and the second utilizes map overlay techniques on an interactive computer terminal. Results concerning population, housing, and land improvement illustrate the successful linking of ordinal and nominal data files in the interactive system.-

Paul, C. K.↗

Advanced subsonic aircraft concepts for passenger transportation

This paper discusses the potential for new subsonic transport aircraft designs that may evolve in the relatively near future, taking into account the added requirements for improved environmental compatibility and the potential constraints due to system congestion, substantial financial risk, and higher fuel costs or limited availability. Reflecting these additional requirements, potential aircraft developments are presented for new CTOL transports with significantly improved fuel economy, new STOL transports with improved short field capability, and new VTOL transports that could provide direct city-center service.

Waters, M. H.↗

Planning air transport network in Appalachia

Main issues to be considered in designing an air transport system are discussed, and a model for the selection of an optimal air network for a region is presented. It was desired to have the ability to consider a dense network of nodes and air routes and variations in schedules on routes, which in combination would represent virtually all conceivable alternatives. Linear and integer programming were chosen as the most promising analysis methodologies. Integer programming was found to be intractable, while linear programming provided efficient solutions. The model was applied to studying the feasibility of a STOL network in West Virginia. Based on allowable paths, an examination of intercity demands, and established growth points, desired levels of service expressed as minimum flights were determined for certain city pairs.

Carter, E. C.↗