A study of Minnesota land and water resources using remote sensing

Abstract

The author has identified the following significant results. Both LANDSAT imagery and digital data were studied for usefulness in surveying water conditions of Minnesota lakes. Initial consideration was given to analysis of LANDSAT image densities because of the low technologic and cost requirements. The techniques employed, however, yield inconsistent and unreliable results. A set of criteria are given for using LANDSAT data in identification of three categories of particulate contaminants in Lake Superior. A linear transformation giving the relationship between the residual LANDSAT intensities and concentrations of three contaminants was obtained from correlation of remote sensing data with insitu measurements. LANDSAT imagery was found useful in placing peat bogs and fens in their respective geologic settings. Artificial disturbances and drainageways in peatlands could be recognized and classified.