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At least 829 records · Page 46

DCP-collected absolute target reflectance signatures assist accurate interpretation of ERTS-1 imagery

Data collection platforms (DCP's) are being used at a Black Hills, South Dakota, test site (MMC 226A) to record radiometric measurements needed to determine solar and atmospheric parameters that affect ERTS-1 multispectral scanner radiance measurements. A total of 72 channels of analog data transmitted from an unattended ground truth site via three DCP's at least six times a day. The system has operated with only minor problems since September, sending forth daily measurements of biophysical responses and atmospheric conditions. Comparisons of scene radiance data calculated from ERTS images with that measured on the ground show the image-measured values to be 35 percent higher for the green channel and 20 percent higher for the red channel for the same scene targets. Radiance values for channels 6 and 7 are nearly the same from the ground data and from the imagery.

Weber, F. P.↗

Application of ERTS-1 imagery in coastal studies

The basic ERTS output is four black-and-white photographs presenting the same scene recorded in each multispectral scanner band. Mosaics covering large regions at a 1:250,000 scale can be compiled from these photographs. Office study of the image of each band separately, in combination with other bands, and in conjunction with other available data (navigation charts, tide tables, etc.) permits extraction of data useful in coastal engineering planning and coastal processes studies. Specific examples in which significant information on regional shoreline configuration or nearshore water movements has been obtained from unenhanced ERTS imagery are: (1) tidal inlet configuration; (2) navigation information; and (3) nearshore water movements.

Magoon, O. T.↗

Application of ERTS-1 imagery in the fields of geology, agriculture, forestry, and hydrology to selected test sites in Iran

The preliminary study of the ERTS-1 imagery coverage of Iran, commenced on October 26, 1972. All of the images were carefully examined, and a photomosaic covering approximately ninety-five per cent of the country was prepared. A number of images of selected areas were studied in detail. In the field of geology, a number of large scale faults were identified, which do not figure on geological maps. Furthermore, a preliminary study was carried out on the recent sediments, their possible sources, and origin. A limited number of geological work maps were prepared as well. In the fields of agriculture and forestry, studies based on color composite prints of certain areas were undertaken, with a purpose of identifying potential arable areas. Investigations in the field of water resources resulted in the discovery of a number of small lakes, and streams. Furthermore, fluctuations of the water level in some lakes were observed.

Ebtehadj, K.↗

A Preliminary Assessment of ERTS Imagery for Marine Resources

The application of ERTS-1 imagery to identifying marine resources is discussed. Specific reference is made to the use of ERTS-1 for observing the onset of the spring growing season in the ocean while it occurs. ERTS-1 data is used for the following purposes: (1) location of large areas of seasonally variable biological activity, (2) measurement of water depth in shallow seas, (3) monitoring of sewer discharges, (4) assessment of erosion damage to beaches and shoreline installations, and (5) navigation through ice-filled waterways.

Ewing, G. C.↗

To assess the value of satellite imagery in resource inventorization on a national scale

The author has identified the following significant results. Production of 1:500,000 scale false color photolithoprints proved to be very valuable. Significant results were obtained in geomorphological mapping, mapping of disturbed and undisturbed natural vegetation as well as in the discovery of major geologic lineaments, some of which may be associated with mineralization. The cartographic quality of system corrected MSS imagery was also evaluated.

Malan, O. G.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The Kings Station Mine in Gibson County, Indiana has experienced considerable roof fall problems. Detailed fracture mapping of the mine area was done with ERTS-1 and aircraft imagery, and a prediction map of roof problem areas was produced in advance of a visit. The visit to the mine and discussions with the operator indicated that of four zones mapped as potential problem areas, three coincided with areas of excessive roof fall. This positive correlation of 75% lends confidence to the validity of the technique being applied in the investigation. The mine officials expressed an interest in the project and are anxious to see the final product maps which are forthcoming.

Wier, C. E.↗

Identification of basic cloud types from ERTS imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. It was found that seven basic cloud types could be detected from ERTS-1 imagery. Each type exhibited characteristics that made them distinct. Suitable examples of each type were chosen, described, and a cloud identification item-index key prepared.

Morain, S. A.↗

Geological and geochemical studies in the Robinson Mining District, White Pine County, Nevada, using Skylab S190A imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. In the Robinson mining district which included the Ruth porphyry copper mines, three large positive aeromagnetic anomalies exist over a Tertiary volcanic area north west of Ruth. Prior studies of this area have suggested that the volcanics may or may not be the cause of the anomalies. Skylab Sl90A imagery, however, indicates possible outcrops in the volcanic area of the Paleozoic sediments. Field studies or ground truth verify the existence of these inliers suggesting that the magnetic anomaly may be the result of a buried intrusive body for which potential mineralization has been covered by the post-ore blanket of volcanics. The area is being mapped in more detail and samples of mercury-bearing soil-gas area being collected within and outside the area.

Jensen, M. L.↗

Analysis of ERTS-1 imagery and its application to evaluation of Wyoming's natural resources

The author has identified the following significant results. A summary of the significant results of the studies completed during the July-August, 1973 period includes: (1) ERTS-1 image brightness contrasts can be related to important contrasts in rangeland and forest vegetation communities of the Laramie Basin. (2) Stereoscopic viewing is essential for correct structural interpretation in outcrop patterns in some areas. (3) Complex fracture patterns which may have exerted a controlling influence on intrusive activity in the Absaroka Mountains can be mapped from ERTS. (4) Volcanic lithologies of the Yellowstone region are often differentiated on the basis of their textures, and cannot be successfully mapped by photogeologic interpretation of ERTS-1 imagery. Ground spectral readings confirm a general lack of contrast between these lithologies in the four ERTS-1 MSS bands. (5) Major dune fields can be recognized and defined from ERTS-1 image interpretations and recognition of differences in stabilizing plant communities (some of which may be mappable from ERTS-1) yields information about migration history of the dune fields.

Marrs, R. W.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. Mined land reclamation analysis procedures developed within the Indiana portion of the Illinois Coal Basin were independently tested in Ohio utilizing 1:80,000 scale enlargements of ERTS-1 image 1029-15361-7 (dated August 21, 1972). An area in Belmont County was selected for analysis due to the extensive surface mining and the different degrees of reclamation occurring in this area. Contour mining in this area provided the opportunity to extend techniques developed for analysis of relatively flat mining areas in Indiana to areas of rolling topography in Ohio. The analysts had no previous experience in the area. Field investigations largely confirmed office analysis results although in a few areas estimates of vegetation percentages were found to be too high. In one area this error approximated 25%. These results suggest that systematic ERTS-1 analysis in combination with selective field sampling can provide reliable vegetation percentage estimates in excess of 25% accuracy with minimum equipment investment and training. The utility of ERTS-1 for practical and reasonably reliable update of mined lands information for groups with budget limitations is suggested. Many states can benefit from low cost updates using ERTS-1 imagery from public sources.

Wier, C. E.↗

Application of ERTS-1 imagery to land use, forest density and soil investigations

The author has identified the following significant results. Photographic and digital imagery obtained by ERTS-1 was analyzed and assigned to land features related to agricultural and forest resources. Land use and forest site evaluation maps were prepared by comparing remote sensing and ground truth data. Relationships found in this investigation between spectral signatures recorded by ERTS-1 and land features can be used for the assessment and development of agricultural and forest resources. The results are applicable to areas with ecological and geological conditions similar to those of Greece.

Yassoglou, N. J.↗

Identification and interpretation of tectonic features from ERTS-A imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. When comparing the ERTS-1 imagery with the United States Air Force Operational Navigation Chart, mapping errors were found in Baja California and in the coastal islands off mainland Mexico. One dramatic error noted was the Isla Tortuga which is located 9 to 9.5 km to the west of its photo location. One ERTS-1 photo shows the size of the four islands, Isla San Juanito, Isla Maria Madre, Isla Maria Magdalena, and Isla Maria Cleofas, to be much smaller than the ONC map depicts them. A prominent zone of structural and physiographic lineaments extending approximately from San Fernando, Los Angeles County towards the Oxnard area in Ventura County in an east-north-east trend were observed. In Ventura County several previously unknown faults within this zone were identified and their traces plotted on large scale maps and 1:60,000 aerial photographs. This important fault zone is significant because it trends parallel to and partly coincides with a recent belt of seismicity related to the San Fernando 1971 earthquake.

Abdel-Gawad, M.↗

Considerations and techniques for incorporating remotely sensed imagery into the land resource management process.

Development of a scheme for utilizing remote sensing technology in an operational program for regional land use planning and land resource management program applications. The scheme utilizes remote sensing imagery as one of several potential inputs to derive desired and necessary data, and considers several alternative approaches to the expansion and/or reduction and analysis of data, using automated data handling techniques. Within this scheme is a five-stage program development which includes: (1) preliminary coordination, (2) interpretation and encoding, (3) creation of data base files, (4) data analysis and generation of desired products, and (5) applications.

Brooner, W. G.↗

ERTS-1 MSS imagery - A tool for identifying soil associations.

Soil association maps show the spatial relationships of land units developed in unique climatic, geologic, and topographic environments, and having characteristic slopes, soil depths, textures, available water capacities, permeabilities, and the like. From these characteristics of the soil, broad interpretations can be made such as how the soil is suited for various agronomic and engineering uses. ERTS-1 imagery was found to be a useful tool in the identification of soil associations since it provides a synoptic view of an 8 million acre scene, which is large enough so that the effect can be seen on soils of climate, topography, and geology. A regional view also allows soil associations to be observed over most, if not all, of their extent. This aids in selecting typical sampling sites and provides a check on the homogeniety of the associations.

Westin, F. C.↗

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS-1 imagery using snow enhancement techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. The applications of ERTS-1 imagery for geological fracture mapping regardless of season has been repeatedly confirmed. The enhancement provided by a differential cover of snow increases the number and length of fracture-lineaments which can be detected with ERTS-1 data and accelerates the fracture mapping process for a variety of practical applications. The geological mapping benefits of the program will be realized in geographic areas where data are most needed - complex glaciated terrain and areas of deep residual soils. ERTS-1 derived fracture-lineament maps which provide detail well in excess of existing geological maps are not available in the Massachusetts-Connecticut area. The large quantity of new data provided by ERTS-1 may accelerate and improve field mapping now in progress in the area. Numerous other user groups have requested data on the techniques. This represents a major change in operating philosophy for groups who to data judged that snow obscured geological detail.

Wobber, F. J.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The Mined Land Inventory map of Pike, Gibson, and Warrick Counties, Indiana, prepared from ERTS-1 imagery, was included in the 1973 Annual Report of the President's Council on Environmental Quality as an example of ERTS applications to mined lands. Increasing numbers of inquiries have been received from coal producing states and coal companies interested in the Indiana Program.

Wier, C. E.↗

Evaluate ERTS imagery for mapping and detection of changes of snowcover on land and on glaciers

The author has identified the following significant results. The standard error of measurement of snow covered areas in major drainage basins in the Cascade Range, Washington, using single measurements of ERTS-1 images, was found to range from 11% to 7% during a typical melt season, but was as high as 32% in midwinter. Many dangerous glacier situations in Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia were observed on ERTS-1 imagery. Glacier dammed lakes in Alaska are being monitored by ERTS-1. Embayments in tidal glaciers show changes detectable by ERTS-1. Surges of Russell and Tweedsmuir Glaciers, now in progress, are clearly visible. The Tweedsmuir surge is likely to dam the large Alsek River by mid-November, producing major floods down-river next summer. An ERTS-1 image of the Pamir Mountains, Tadjik S.S.R., shows the surging Medvezhii (Bear) Glacier just after its surge of early summer which dammed the Abdukagor Valley creating a huge lake and later a flood in the populous Vanch River Valley. A map was compiled from an ERTS-1 image of the Lowell Glacier after its recent surge, compared with an earlier map compiled from pain-stakingly compiled from a mosaic of many aerial photographs, in a total elapsed time of 1.5 hours. This demonstrates the value of ERTS-1 for rapid mapping of large features.

Meier, M. F.↗