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At least 991 records · Page 55
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Soil, water, and vegetation conditions in south Texas

The author has identified the following significant results. To distinguish dead from live vegetation, spectrophotometrically measured infinite reflectance of dead and live corn (Zea mays L.) leaves were compared over the 0.5 to 2.5 micron waveband. Dead leaf reflectance was reached over the entire 0.5 to 2.5 micron waveband by stacking only two to three leaves. Live leaf reflectance was attained by stacking two leaves for the 0.5 to 0.75 micron waveband (chlorophyll absorption region), eight leaves for the 0.75 to 1.35 micron waveband (near infrared region), and three leaves for the 1.35 to 2.5 micron waveband (water absorption region). LANDSAT-1 MSS digital data for 11 December 1973 overpass were used to estimate the sugar cane acreage in Hidalgo County. The computer aided estimate was 22,100 acres compared with the Texas Crop and Livestock Reporting Service estimate of 20,500 acres for the 1973-'74 crop year. Although there were errors of omission from harvested fields that were identified as bare soil and some citrus and native vegetation that were mistakenly identified as sugar cane, the mapped location of sugar cane fields in the county compared favorably with their location on the thematic map generated by the computer.

Wiegand, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Results of phase one of land use information Delphi study

The Land Use Management Information System (LUMIS) is being developed for the city portion of the Santa Monica mountains. LUMIS incorporates data developed from maps and aerial photos as well as traditional land based data associated with routine city and county record keeping activities and traditional census data. To achieve the merging of natural resource data with governmental data LUMIS is being designed in accordance with restrictions associated with two other land use information systems currently being constructed by Los Angeles city staff. The two city systems are LUPAMS (Land Use Planning and Management System) which is based on data recorded by the County Assessor's office for each individual parcel of land in the city, and Geo-BEDS, a geographically based environmental data system.

Paul, C. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Enhancement and evaluation of Skylab photography for potential land use inventories, part 1

The author has identified the following significant results. Three sites were evaluated for land use inventory: Finger Lakes - Tompkins County, Lower Hudson Valley - Newburgh, and Suffolk County - Long Island. Special photo enhancement processes were developed to standardize the density range and contrast among S190A negatives. Enhanced black and white enlargements were converted to color by contact printing onto diazo film. A color prediction model related the density values on each spectral band for each category of land use to the spectral properties of the various diazo dyes. The S190A multispectral system proved to be almost as effective as the S190B high resolution camera for inventorying land use. Aggregate error for Level 1 averaged about 12% while Level 2 aggregate error averaged about 25%. The S190A system proved to be much superior to LANDSAT in inventorying land use, primarily because of increased resolution.

Hardy, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Applications of ERTS imagery to mappings sediments of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area

ERTS images were compared to surficial geologic maps, prepared through traditional field studies. Lithologic boundaries, bedrock outcrops, bedrock structures, and geomorphologic features were examined. An area southeast of the Twin Cities, located chiefly in northern Dakota County was studied, as well as the New Brighton 15-minute quadrangle located in portions of Ramsey and Anoka Counties. Visual comparison of geologic maps and ERTS imagery demonstrated the limitations of this approach to geological investigations. Bedrock outcrops and bedrock structure in the metropolitan area do not appear on ERTS imagery. However, certain glacial sediments can be identified and are potentially mappable. Certain geomorphological features were also discernable.

Poppe, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Community level impacts of expanding underground coal mining

The potential secondary consequences of rapid community growth in deep mining localities and the ability of affected communities to absorb and manage such growth are discussed. Areas discussed include Sweetwater County, Wyoming, and Marion and Monongalia Counties, West Virginia.

Coates, V. T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Use of remote sensing technology for inventorying and planning utilization of land resources in South Dakota

A project was undertaken in Meade County, South Dakota to provide (1) a general county-wide resource survey of land use and soils and (2) a detailed survey of land use for the environmentally sensitive area adjacent to the Black Hills. Imagery from LANDSAT-1 was visually interpreted to provide land use information and a general soils map. A detailed land use map for the Black Hills area was interpreted from RB-57 photographs and interpretations of soil characteristics were input into a computer data base and mapped. The detailed land use data were then used in conjunction with soil maps to provide information for the development of zoning ordinance maps and other land use planning in the Black Hills area. The use of photographs as base maps was also demonstrated. In addition, the use of airborne thermography to locate spoilage areas in sugar beet piles and to determine the apparent temperature of rooftops was evaluated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

LANDSAT-1 data, its use in a soil survey program

The following applications of LANDSAT imagery were investigated: assistance in recognizing soil survey boundaries, low intensity soil surveys, and preparation of a base map for publishing thematic soils maps. The following characteristics of LANDSAT imagery were tested as they apply to the recognition of soil boundaries in South Dakota and western Minnesota: synoptic views due to the large areas covered, near-orthography and lack of distortion, flexibility of selecting the proper season, data recording in four parts of the spectrum, and the use of computer compatible tapes. A low intensity soil survey of Pennington County, South Dakota was completed in 1974. Low intensity inexpensive soil surveys can provide the data needed to evaluate agricultural land for the remaining counties until detailed soil surveys are completed. In using LANDSAT imagery as a base map for publishing thematic soil maps, the first step was to prepare a mosaic with 20 LANDSAT scenes from several late spring passes in 1973.

Westin, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The national land use data program of the US Geological Survey

The Land Use Data and Analysis (LUDA) Program which provides a systematic and comprehensive collection and analysis of land use and land cover data on a nationwide basis is described. Maps are compiled at about 1:125,000 scale showing present land use/cover at Level II of a land use/cover classification system developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in conjunction with other Federal and state agencies and other users. For each of the land use/cover maps produced at 1:125,000 scale, overlays are also compiled showing Federal land ownership, river basins and subbasins, counties, and census county subdivisions. The program utilizes the advanced technology of the Special Mapping Center of the U.S. Geological Survey, high altitude NASA photographs, aerial photographs acquired for the USGS Topographic Division's mapping program, and LANDSAT data in complementary ways.

Anderson, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Satellite information on Orlando, Florida

A land use map of Orange County, Florida was prepared from EREP photography while LANDSAT and EREP multispectral scanner data were used to provide more detailed information on Orlando and its suburbs. The generalized maps were prepared by tracing the patterns on an overlay, using an enlarging viewer. Digital analysis of the multispectral scanner data was basically the maximum likelihood classification method with training sample input and computer printer mapping of the results. Urban features delineated by the maps are discussed. It is concluded that computer classification, accompanied by human interpretation and manual simplification can produce land use maps which are useful on a regional, county, and city basis.

Hannah, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Improved resource use decisions and actions through remote sensing

Operational uses of remote sensing for improving management decisions and actions concerning resource uses are considered in terms of first generation, or direct-action; and second generation or indirect, delayed-action applications. From among applications completed during 1974-75, seven case studies are offered in illustration of the many contrasts which can be drawn between first and second generation application studies. These include: (1) multi-agency river basin planning; (2) corridor assessment and route location for highway location together with improvement of county-level planning decisions; (3) improving timber management practices; (4) enforcement of new state statutes; (5) county-wide open space preservation; (6) land value reappraisal relative to property tax equalization; and (7) optimizing agri-business processing plant locations.

Hill-Rowley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Satellite data for surface-mine inventory

To determine the feasibility of satellite data for surface-mine inventory, particularly as it applies to coal, a case study was conducted in Maryland. A band-ratio method was developed to measure disturbed surface areas, and it proved to be extendible both temporally and geographically. This method was used to measure area changes in the region over three time periods from September 1972 through July 1974 and to map the entire two-county area for 1973. For mines ranging between 31 and 244 acres (12 to 98 hectares) the measurement accuracy of total affected acreage was determined to be 92%. Mines of 120 acres (50 hectares) and larger were measured with greater accuracy, some within one percent of the actual area. The ability to identify, classify, and measure strip-mine surfaces in a two-county area (1,541 square kilometers - 595 square miles) of western Maryland was demonstrated through the use of computer processing. On the basis of these results the use of LANDSAT satellite data and multilevel sampling of aircraft and field verification inspections, multispectral analysis of digital data is shown to be an effective, rapid, and accurate means of monitoring the surface mining cycle.

Anderson, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Directional-cosine and related pre-processing techniques - Possibilities and problems in earth-resources surveys

The possibilities of using various pre-processing techniques (directional-cosine, ratios and ratio/sum) have been investigated in relation to an urban land-use problem in Marion County, Indiana (USA) and for geologic applications in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. For Marion County, it proved possible to classify directional-cosine data from September 1972 into different land uses by applying statistics developed with data from a May 1973 ERTS frame, thereby demonstrating the possibilities of using this type of data for signature-extension purposes. In the Silverton (Colorado) area pre-processed data proved superior to original data when extracting useful information in mountainous areas without corresponding ground observations. This approach allowed meaningful classification and interpretation of the data. The main problems encountered as a result of atmospheric effects, mixing of different surface materials, and the performance characteristics of ERTS are elucidated.

Quiel, F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The use of remote sensing imagery for environmental land use and flood hazard mapping

Flood hazard maps have been constructed for Graham, Yuma, and Yavapai Counties in Arizona using remote sensing techniques. Watershed maps of priority areas were selected on the basis of their interest to the county planning staff and represented areas of imminent or ongoing development and those known to be subject to inundation by storm runoff. Landsat color infrared imagery at scales of 1:1,000,000, 1:500,000, and 1:250,000 was used together with high-altitude aerial photography at scales of 1:120,000 and 1:60,000 to determine drainage patterns and erosional features, soil type, and the extent and type of ground cover. The satellite imagery was used in the form of 70 mm chips for enhancement in a color additive viewer and in all available enlargement modes. Field checking served as the main backup to the interpretations. Areas with high susceptibility to flooding were determined with a high level of confidence from the remotely sensed imagery.

Mouat, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

What's the use of land? (a secondary school social studies project)

The concept of a student land use survey was discussed with the curriculum development team of the Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado. In these discussions it soon became apparent that the curriculum potentials included much more than a classroom activity involving mapping the features on the ground in the area of study. A new flood control dam to be located in the area of Denver, Colorado, became the central topic in a program involving a wide variety of curriculum fields, such as mapmaking, local community history, physical geography, mathematics, and environmental studies. Consequently, a prototype of a multidisciplinary unit concept was developed for later incorporation by the Jefferson County curriculum team.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Illinois crop-acreage estimation experiment

The University of Illinois and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have collaborated to examine the feasibility of Landsat imagery analysis for USDA crop-acreage estimation purposes. The region chosen for the experiment was ten western counties of Illinois. Preliminary crop-acreage estimates derived from the ILLIAC IV-ARPA Network analysis of Landsat data are presented for these ten counties. Assuming the practicality of similar analyses covering the entire state, a procedure is discussed for evaluating statistically the information to be gained by estimating state crop-acreage totals from Landsat imagery classification results where SRS sample survey data are used as ground truth information for classification training as opposed to estimating state crop-acreage totals directly from SRS survey data alone.

Ray, R. M., III↗
NASA NTRS1977

Application of aerial photography to water-related programs in Michigan

Aerial photography and information system technology were used to generate information required for the effective operation of three water-related programs in Michigan. Potential mosquito breeding sites were identified from specially acquired low altitude 70 mm color photography for the city of Lansing; the inventory identified 35% more surface water areas than indicated on existing field maps. A comprehensive inventory of surface water sources and potential access sites was prepared to assist fire departments in Antrim County with fire truck water-recharge operations. Remotely-sensed land cover/use data for Windsor Township, Eaton County, were integrated with other resource data into a computer-based information system for regional water quality studies. Eleven thematic maps focusing on landscape features affecting non-point water pollution and waste disposal were generated from analyses of a four-hectare grid-based data file containing land cover/use, soils, topographic and geologic (well-log) data.

Enslin, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Cornell University remote sensing program

The author has identified the following significant results. Available aerial photographs were used to characterize mosquito breeding sites in Oswego County, New York. Numerous wetlands are contained within this county; this area is the only inland area in North America to have confirmed outbreaks of eastern equine encephalitis. This photocharacterization of primary mosquito breeding sites will be used to develop effective spraying. Large scale color and color infrared aerial photographs were used to assess changes in aquatic vegetation that accompanied phosphorus reduction in an eutrophic lake in New York.

Liang, T.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Application of aerial photography to water-related programs in Michigan

The paper describes the use of aerial photography and information system technology in the provision of information required for the effective operation of three water-related programs in Michigan. Potential mosquito breeding sites were identified from specially acquired low altitude 70 mm color photography for the City of Lansing Vector Control Area. A comprehensive inventory of surface water sources and potential access sites was prepared to assist fire departments in Antrim County with fire truck water-recharge operations. Remotely-sensed land cover/use data for Windsor Township, Eaton County were integrated with other resource data into a computer-based information system for regional water quality studies. Eleven thematic maps specifically focussed on landscape features affecting non-point water pollution and waste disposal were generated from analyses of a four-hectare grid-based data file containing land cover/use, soils, topographic and geologic (well-log) data.

Enslin, W. R.↗