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Engineering topics

Calabrese, M. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Calabrese, M. A..

Improving our understanding of the remote sensing process

Plans for two fundamental research programs aimed at improving an understanding of the physics and mathematics of remote sensing are discussed. The first program, Scene Radiation and Atmospheric Research Program, is concerned with developing the capability to determine biophysical attributes of terrestrial scenes through an improved understanding of the relationships between those properties and remotely sensed radiation. The research issues in the second program, Mathematical Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis, are discussed with reference to the following five categories: preprocessing, digital image representation, object scene inference, computational structures, and continuing studies.

Calabrese, M. A.↗

Renewable resource applications of remote sensing in the 1980's

A number of renewable resource applications in the areas of agriculture, land, and water are summarized; and some of the current and future research efforts designed to enhance the utility of this tool are explored. Programs to incorporate microwave sensors with higher resolutions into the resource planning and management processes are also considered. Particular consideration is given to experience with LACIE and AgRISTARS; the current hydrologic land use, watershed physiography, and snow covered area applications of Landsat; and land cover mapping with MSS technology. Needed improvements are discussed with regard to goals of fundamental research, data acquisition requirements, and data handling and merging with other data sources.

Ragan, R. M.↗

A review of future remote sensing satellite capabilities

Existing, planned and future NASA capabilities in the field of remote sensing satellites are reviewed in relation to the use of remote sensing techniques for the identification of irrigated lands. The status of the currently operational Landsat 2 and 3 satellites is indicated, and it is noted that Landsat D is scheduled to be in operation in two years. The orbital configuration and instrumentation of Landsat D are discussed, with particular attention given to the thematic mapper, which is expected to improve capabilities for small field identification and crop discrimination and classification. Future possibilities are then considered, including a multi-spectral resource sampler supplying high spatial and temporal resolution data possibly based on push-broom scanning, Shuttle-maintained Landsat follow-on missions, a satellite to obtain high-resolution stereoscopic data, further satellites providing all-weather radar capability and the Large Format Camera.

Calabrese, M. A.↗

Resource observations from space - Present and future

The paper deals with some advances which have been made in the field of space remote sensing of the earth's natural resources and in the application of space techniques to the improvement of resource management and better understanding of the physical and dynamic nature of the earth. The current status and planned developments in the management of renewable and nonrenewable resources are reviewed.

Thome, P. G.↗