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At least 163 records · Page 9

Data relay system specifications for ERTS image interpretation

Experiments with the Data Collection System (DCS) of the Earth Resources Technology Satellites (ERTS) have been developed to stress ERTS applications in the Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Program. Active pursuit of this policy has resulted in the design of eight specific experiments requiring a total of 98 DCS ground-data platforms. Of these eight experiments, six are intended to make use of DCS data as an aid in image interpretation, while two make use of the capability to relay data from remote locations. Preliminary discussions regarding additional experiments indicate a need for at least 150 DCS platforms within the EROS Program for ERTS experimentation. Results from the experiments will be used to assess the DCS suitability for satellites providing on-line, real-time, data relay capability. The rationale of the total DCS network of ground platforms and the relationship of each experiment to that rationale are discussed.

Daniel, J. F.↗

The usefullness of ERTS-1 and supporting aircraft data for monitoring plant development in rangeland environments

The author has identified the following significant results. Preliminary analysis of ERTS-1 MSS imagery of annual and perennial rangeland in California yields the following observations: (1) Sufficient geomorphological detail can be resolved to differentiate upland and bottomland range sites in the foothill range areas. (2) Dry and green meadowland can be differentiated on MSS band 5. (3) Color composites prepared by NASA-Goddard were useful for locating perennial rangeland with varying amounts of herbaceous ground cover. (4) The ERTS-1 images received and interpreted cover nearly 50% of the state of California and show nearly two-thirds of the annual grassland type. (5) Satellite imagery obtained during the late summer season should be optimum for differentiating grassland from brushland and forested land. (6) The ERTS-1 imagery clearly shows areas which at one time were part of the annual grassland but which are now used for dry land farming (cropping of cereal grains). Similarly, the imagery show areas which have been converted from brushland to grassland.

Carneggie, D. M.↗

An evaluation of ERTS-1 imagery for mapping of major earth fractures and related features

The author has identified the following significant results. Fractures of regional extent in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming were mapped from ERTS-1 imagery. Most previously mapped fractures were confirmed by the ERTS-1 image study, and many new fractures were discovered. In one area, the ERTS-1 imagery appeared to give superior results to ground studies.

Parker, R. B.↗

Use of ERTS imagery in air pollution and marine biology studies, tasks 1 through 3

There are no author-identified significant results in this report. The general suitability of ERTS imagery in detecting ground originated air pollution has proved to be excellent. The quality and resolution exceeded expectations and has permitted in some instances location of point sources to within a thousand feet. Suitable techniques have not yet been developed for determining or measuring area and line sources of air pollution. A major problem has been cloud cover that has persisted over the area of primary interest, the Chesapeake Bay. Work has been completed on mounting the shipboard transmissometer which will be used for investigations to relate the chlorophyll and suspended sediment content in the waters of the Lower Chesapeake Bay to ERTS-1 imagery. Water sampling, plankton analysis, and preparations for sea collection of water truth along the eastern continental shelf of the U.S. have been completed for use in comparisons with ERTS-1 data.

Copeland, G. E.↗

Artic and subarctic environmental analyses utilizing ERTS-1 imagery. Discipline 8: Interpretation techniques development. Subdiscipline C: Classfication and pattern recognition

The author has identified the following significant results. Uncontrolled photo mosaics of ERTS-1 imagery using MSS band 5 and 7 at a scale of 1:1,000,000 were used to make a preliminary surficial geology map in northcentral Alaska. Seven distinct geologic units were recognized, defined, and mapped directly on a photo mosaic. Results are closely correlated with published surficial geology maps. Eight MSS images were examined to test utility of ERTS data in studies of coastal processes and stream hydrology, and in the identification and interpretation of geomorphic features throughout Alaska. The feasibility of using ERTS-1 data to map structural lineaments is well illustrated on a mosaic of 8, band 5 MSS images. Along the northern edge of the Brooks Range one lineament can be followed the entire width of the mosaic, a distance of 225 miles. Two nearly parallel lineaments can be seen running along the northern and southern edges of the Schwatka Mountains. About 135 miles south of these two lineaments another series located in the Chitanana River region can be followed for 45 miles. These lineaments appear to be faults, and it is interesting to note that the Yukon River parallels these and appears to be structurally controlled.

Anderson, D. M.↗

Automated thematic mapping and change detection of ERTS-1 images

The author has identified the following significant results. An ERTS-1 image was compared to aircraft photography and maps of an area near Brownsville, Texas. In the coastal region of Cameron County, natural and cultural detail were identified in the ERTS-1 image. In Hidalgo County, ground truth was located on the ERTS-1 image. Haze and 50% cloud cover over Hidalgo County reduced the usefulness of multispectral techniques for recognizing crops.

Gramenopoulos, N.↗

Recognition of the geologic framework of porphyry deposits on ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Preliminary analysis of a mosaic composing 20 individual ERTS-1 frames that covers most of Nevada and western Utah reveals both new and old structural features. Three separate provinces, the Basin and Range, the southern extension of the Columbia River Plateau volcanics, and the western edge of the Colorado Plateau are easily distinguishable. A west-northwest cross or transverse structural trend, the Las Vegas Shear zone, is present in the region running from the Sierra Nevada to Lake Mead. The Sevier, Hurricane and Grand Wash faults that define the Wasateh-Jerome structural zone, can be traced further on the ERTS-1 imagery than on existing tectonic maps. By use of a stereo viewer on the side-lap coverage of ERTS-1 imagery, it is possible in some instances to determine the direction of sedimentary beds, enabling anticlines and synclines to be mapped. Other geologic features, faults, direction of throw on faults, recent basalt flow contacts with older rhyolitic tuffs, volcanic cones, and subsidences can also be mapped.

Wilson, J. C.↗

Application of ERTS-1 imagery to state wide land information system in Minnesota

The author has identified the following significant results. To update and refine existing state-wide land resource information systems, the Minnesota State Planning Agency is assessing the feasibility of extracting resource information from ERTS-1 imagery. Work has centered on a comparative analysis of Minnesota Land Management Information System (MLMIS) and ERTS-1 land use classes. The associated problems of determining appropriate data cell size and optimal seasonal timing have also been addressed. Using ERTS-1 images, dominant land use is classified as follows: urban, forest, agriculture, extractive, transportation, water, and wetlands. Preliminary analysis suggests that with appropriate changes in operational definitions these general classes can be further refined for the benefit of MLMIS users. Additional detail appears most feasible extractive classes.

Sizer, J. E.↗

Relevance of ERTS-1 to the state of Ohio

The author has identified the following significant results. To date, only one significant result has been reported for the Ohio ERTS program. This result relates to the proven usefulness of ERTS-1 imagery for mapping and inventorying strip-mined areas in southeastern Ohio. ERTS provides a tool for rapidly and economically acquiring an up-to-date inventory of strip-mined lands for state planning purposes which was not previously possible.

Sweet, D. C.↗

An interdisciplinary analysis of ERTS data for Colorado mountain environments using ADP techniques

There are no author-identified significant results in this report. Research efforts have been placed on: (1) location, acquisition, and preparation of baseline information necessary for the computer analysis, and (2) refinement of techniques for analysis of MSS data obtained from ERTS-1. Analysis of the first frame of data collected by the ERTS-1 multispectral scanner system over the Lake Texoma area has proven very valuable for determining the best procedures to follow in working with and analyzing ERTS data. Progress on the following projects is described: (1) cover type mapping; (2) geomorphology; and hydrologic feature surveys.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

Geographic applications of ERTS-1 imagery to rural landscape change in eastern Tennessee

There are no author-identified significant results in this report. A multistage sampling experiment was conducted using low (10,000') and high (60,000') altitude aircraft imagery in comparison with orbital (560 miles) ERTS imagery. Although the aircraft data provide detailed landscape observations similar to ground truth data, they cover relatively small areas per image frame for irregular static slices of time. By comparison, ERTS provides repetitive observations in a regional perspective for broad areal coverage. Microdensitometric and computer techniques are being used to analyze the ERTS imagery for gray tone signatures, comparisons, and ultimately for landscape change detection.

Rehder, J. B.↗

ERTS-B imagery interpretation techniques in the Tennessee Valley

There are no author-identified significant results in this report. The proposed investigation is a continuation of an ERTS-1 project. The principal missions are to serve as the principal supporter on computer and image processing problems for the multidisciplinary ERTS effort of the University of Tennessee, and to carry out research in improved methods for the computer processing, enhancement, and recognition of ERTS imagery.

Gonzalez, R. C.↗

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 area of snow cover on land was determined from ERTS-1 imagery. Snow cover in specific drainage basins was measured with the Stanford Research Institute console by electronically superimposing basin outlines on imagery, with video density slicing to measure areas. Snow covered area and snowline altitudes were also determined by enlarging ERTS-1 imagery 1:250,000 and using a transparent map overlay. Under very favorable conditions, snowline altitude was determined to an accuracy of about 60 m. Ability to map snow cover or to determine snowline altitude depends primarily on cloud cover and vegetation and secondarily on slope, terrain roughness, sun angle, radiometric fidelity, and amount of spectral information available. Glacier accumulation area ratios were determined from ERTS-1 imagery. Also, subtle flow structures, undetected on aerial photographs, were visible. Surging glaciers were identified, and the changes resulting from the surge of a large glacier were measured as were changes in tidal glacier termini.

Meier, M. F.↗

Use of ERTS Data for Mapping Snow Cover in the Western United States

The author has identified the following significant results. Results of the analysis of the initial sample of ERTS-1 data indicate that the MSS-5 spectral band is the most useful for detecting and mapping mountain snow cover. At the ERTS-1 resolution, snow cover can be readily detected in the MSS-5 band and can be distinguished from clouds. Snow line elevations have been mapped for five mountain areas. In one case for the Salt-Verde watershed in Arizona good agreement is observed between the location of the snow line as mapped from the ERTS-1 data and as depicted on an aerial snow survey chart compiled a week earlier. Examination of data from the Arctic has revealed that multispectral data can provide information on glacial conditions that cannot be ascertained from observations in a single spectral band.

Barnes, J. C.↗

A new vegetation map of the western Seward Peninsula, Alaska, based on ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. A reconstituted, simulated color-infrared ERTS-1 image covering the western Seward Peninsula was prepared and it is used for identifying and mapping vegetation types by direct visual examination. The image, NASA ERTS E-1009-22095, was obtained approximately at 1110 hours, 165 degrees WMT on August 1, 1972. Seven major colors are identified. Four of these are matched with units on existing vegetation maps: bright red - shrub thicket; light gray-red - upland tundra; medium gray-red - coastal coastal wet tundra; gray - alpine barrens. The three colors having no map equivalents are tentatively interpreted as follows: pink - grassland tundra; dark gray-red - burn scars; light orange-red - senescent vegetation. A vegetation map, drawn by tracing on an acetate overlay of the image is presented. Significantly more information is depicted than on existing maps with regards to vegetation types and their areal distribution. Furthermore the preparation of the new map from ERTS-1 imagery required little time relative to conventional methods and extent of areal coverage.

Anderson, J. H.↗

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS imagery using snow enhancement techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. New fracture detail within New England test area has been interpreted from ERTS-1 images. Comparative analysis of snow-free imagery (1096-15065 and 1096-15072) has demonstrated that MSS bands 5 and 7 supply the greatest amount of geological fracture detail. Interpretation of the first snow-covered ERTS-1 images (1132-15074 and 1168-15065) in correlation with ground snow depth data indicates that a heavy blanket of snow (less than 9 inches) accentuates major structural features while a light dusting (greater than 1 inch) accentuates more subtle topographic expressions. Snow cover was found to accentuate drainage patterns which are indicative of lithological and/or structural variations. Snow cover provided added enhancement for viewing and detecting topographically expressed fractures and faults. A recent field investigation was conducted within the New England test area to field check lineaments observed from analysis of ERTS-1 imagery, collect snow depth readings, and obtain structural joint readings at key locations in the test area.

Wobber, F. J.↗

Mapping southern Atlantic coastal marshland, South Carolina-Georgia, using ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Southeastern coastal marshes are among the most extensive and productive in the United States. A relatively low cost, moderately accurate method is needed to map these areas for management and protection. Ground based and low altitude aircraft methods for mapping are time consuming and quite expensive. The launch of NASA's ERTS-1 has provided an opportunity to test the feasibility of mapping wetlands using small scale imagery. The test site selected was an area from the South Carolina border to Saint Catherine's Island, Georgia. Results of the investigation indicate that the following may be ascertained from ERTS-1 imagery: (1) upper wetland boundary; (2) drainage pattern in the wetland; (3) plant communities such as Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens, Juncus roemerianus; (4) ditching activities associated with agriculture; (5) lagooning for water-side home development. Conclusions are that ERTS-1 will be an excellent tool for many types of coastal wetland mapping.

Anderson, R. R.↗

Automated thematic mapping and change detection of ERTS-1 images, part A

The author has identified the following significant results. Automatic and accurate image processing techniques are essential to full utilization of ERTS-1 photography. In pursuit of this, terrain types in the ERTS-1 photography will be classified by spatial signatures. Diffraction patterns from selected ERTS-1 images have been developed optically and are being analyzed to identify unique signatures for various terrain types. Spatial signatures have been definitely identified for cultivated land and certain urban areas. A Fourier plane mask has been developed that greatly facilitates the analysis of the diffraction patterns.

Gramenopoulos, N.↗