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At least 199 records · Page 11

Matrix of educational and training materials in remote sensing

Remote sensing educational and training materials developed by LARS have been organized in a matrix format. Each row in the matrix represents a subject area in remote sensing and the columns represent different types of instructional materials. This format has proved to be useful for displaying in a concise manner the subject matter content, prerequisite requirements and technical depth of each instructional module in the matrix. A general description of the matrix is followed by three examples designed to illustrate how the matrix can be used to synthesize training programs tailored to meet the needs of individual students. A detailed description of each of the modules in the matrix is contained in a catalog section.

Lindenlaub, J. C.↗

Canonical analysis for increased classification speed and channel selection

The quadratic form can be expressed as a monotonically increasing sum of squares when the inverse covariance matrix is represented in canonical form. This formulation has the advantage that, in testing a particular class hypothesis, computations can be discontinued when the partial sum exceeds the smallest value obtained for other classes already tested. A method for channel selection is presented which arranges the original input measurements in that order which minimizes the expected number of computations. The classification algorithm was tested on data from LARS Flight Line C1 and found to reduce the sum-of-products operations by a factor of 6.7 in comparison with the conventional approach. In effect, the accuracy of a twelve-channel classification was achieved using only that CPU time required for a conventional four-channel classification.

Eppler, W.↗

ERTS-1 data applied to strip mining

Two coal basins within the western region of the Potomac River Basin contain the largest strip-mining operations in western Maryland and West Virginia. The disturbed strip-mine areas were delineated along with the surrounding geological and vegetation features by using ERTS-1 data in both analog and digital form. The two digital systems employed were (1) the ERTS analysis system, a point-by-point digital analysis of spectral signatures based on known spectral values and (2) the LARS automatic data processing system. These two systems aided in efforts to determine the extent and state of strip mining in this region. Aircraft data, ground-verification information, and geological field studies also aided in the application of ERTS-1 imagery to perform an integrated analysis that assessed the adverse effects of strip mining. The results indicated that ERTS can both monitor and map the extent of strip mining to determine immediately the acreage affected and to indicate where future reclamation and revegetation may be necessary.

Anderson, A. T.↗

Mapping forest vegetation with ERTS-1 MSS data and automatic data processing techniques

This study was undertaken with the intent of elucidating the forest mapping capabilities of ERTS-1 MSS data when analyzed with the aid of LARS' automatic data processing techniques. The site for this investigation was the Great Dismal Swamp, a 210,000 acre wilderness area located on the Middle Atlantic coastal plain. Due to inadequate ground truth information on the distribution of vegetation within the swamp, an unsupervised classification scheme was utilized. Initially pictureprints, resembling low resolution photographs, were generated in each of the four ERTS-1 channels. Data found within rectangular training fields was then clustered into 13 spectral groups and defined statistically. Using a maximum likelihood classification scheme, the unknown data points were subsequently classified into one of the designated training classes. Training field data was classified with a high degree of accuracy (greater than 95%), and progress is being made towards identifying the mapped spectral classes.

Messmore, J.↗

Computer-aided analysis of Skylab scanner data for land use mapping, forestry and water resource applications

Skylab data were obtained over a mountainous test site containing a complex association of cover types and rugged topography. The application of computer-aided analysis techniques to the multispectral scanner data produced a number of significant results. Techniques were developed to digitally overlay topographic data (elevation, slope, and aspect) onto the S-192 MSS data to provide a method for increasing the effectiveness and accuracy of computer-aided analysis techniques for cover type mapping. The S-192 MSS data were analyzed using computer techniques developed at Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing (LARS), Purdue University. Land use maps, forest cover type maps, snow cover maps, and area tabulations were obtained and evaluated. These results compared very well with information obtained by conventional techniques. Analysis of the spectral characteristics of Skylab data has conclusively proven the value of the middle infrared portion of the spectrum (about 1.3-3.0 micrometers), a wavelength region not previously available in multispectral satellite data.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

Taxonomic classification of world map units in crop producing areas of Argentina and Brazil with representative US soil series and major land resource areas in which they occur

The most probable current U.S. taxonomic classification of the soils estimated to dominate world soil map units (WSM)) in selected crop producing states of Argentina and Brazil are presented. Representative U.S. soil series the units are given. The map units occurring in each state are listed with areal extent and major U.S. land resource areas in which similar soils most probably occur. Soil series sampled in LARS Technical Report 111579 and major land resource areas in which they occur with corresponding similar WSM units at the taxonomic subgroup levels are given.

Huckle, H. F.↗

Space platforms and meteorological applications

The use of Shuttle launched and tended space platforms (SP) for research and earth observations in LEO are examined. SPs will accommodate instruments for extended time periods, requiring a Shuttle visit for maintenance and package exchange once every six months. Designs have included off-the-shelf hardware to reduce cost, and comprise instruments for studies of cosmic rays, solar physics, materials processing, space plasma physics, and environmental observations. Solar cell power arrays are detailed, along with thermal control, data management, and attitude control subsystems. Meteorological applications are discussed in terms of the Lower Atmospheric Research Satellite (LARS), for research into coupling of radiative, chemical, and dynamical processes, interactions between the earth's surface, boundary layer, and troposphere, and dynamic and energetic relationships between lower atmospheric processes. Flight configurations and add-on concepts for the SP to lead to a manned space station are indicated.

Mitchell, K. L.↗

Evaluation of SLAR and thematic mapper MSS data for forest cover mapping using computer-aided analysis techniques

Training and test data sets for CAM1S from NS-001 MSS data for two dates (geometrically adjusted to 30 meter resolution) were used to evaluate wavelength band. Two sets of tapes containing digitized HH and HV polarization data were obtained. Because the SAR data on the 9 track tapes contained no meaningful data, the 7 track tapes were copied onto 9 track tapes at LARS. The LARSYS programs were modified and a program was written to reformat the digitized SAR data into a LARSYS format. The radar imagery is being qualitatively interpreted. Results are to be used to identify possible cover types, to produce a classification map to aid in the numerical evaluation classification of radar data, and to develop an interpretation key for radar imagery. The four spatial resolution data sets were analyzed. A program was developed to reduce the spatial distortions resulting from variable viewing distance, and geometrically adjusted data sets were generated. A flowchart of steps taken to geometrically adjust a data set from the NS-001 scanner is presented.

Hoffer, R. M.↗

Satellite elevation magnetic anomaly maps

The problem of inverting 2 deg average MAGSAT scalar anomalies for the region 80 W, 60 E longitude and 40 S, 70 N latitude was attempted on the LARS computer; however, the effort was aborted due to insufficient allocation of CPU-time. This problem is currently being resubmitted and should be implemented shortly for quantitative comparison with free-air gravity anomaly, geothermal, and tectonic data.

Braile, L. W.↗

Mechanical regulation of plant growth and development

Soybean and eggplant grown and shaken in a greenhouse exhibited decreased internode length, internode diameter, leaf area, and fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots in much the same way as outdoor-exposed plants. Perhaps more important than decreased dimensions of plant parts resulting from periodic seismic treatment is the inhibition of photosynthetic productivity that accompanies this stress. Soybeam plants briefly shaken or rubbed twice daily experienced a decrease in relative as well as absolute growth rate compared to that of undisturbed controls. Growth dynamics analysis revealed that virtually all of the decline in relative growth rate (RGR) was due to a decline in net assimilation rate (NAR), but not in leaf area ratio (LAR). Lower NAR suggests that the stress-induced decrease in dry weight gain is due to a decline in photosynthetic efficiency. Possible effects on stomatal aperture was investigated by measuring rates of whole plant transpiration as a function of seismo-stress, and a transitory decrease followed by a gradual, partial recovery was detected.

Mitchell, C. A.↗

Space imagery and some geomorphological problems of the Guiana Shield, South America

Some ongoing involvement in regional geomorphologic research in South America is described. Because of association with LARS at Purdue University, there has been engagement, vicarious or adivsory, in projects which led to LANDSAT 1-2 mapping of the natural resources of Bolivia (1:8,000,000 scale), and preparation of a geographic information system which mapped the general hydrology, geology, soils, and vegetation of Ecuador (1:4,000,000 scale). Currently we are involved more specifically in geological-geomorphological mapping of the Venezuelan portion of the Guiana shield, and because of manuscript limitations only questions pertinent to this region are posed in the ensuing discussion.

Melhorn, W. N.↗

Fixture For Polishing Optical-Fiber Ends

Wedged and beveled ends lapped with precision for laser applications. See "Wedge Fibers Suppress Feedback of Laser Beam" (LAR-13074). For obtuse-angled wedge end, both sides of fiber polished similarly. After one side of fiber is lapped, fiber support removed. Holding block with fiber turned over, and fiber support replaced. Second side of fiber then lapped.

Barlow, Leroy H.↗

Wing-Design And -Analysis Code

WINGDES2 computer program provides wing-design algorithm based on modified linear theory taking into account effects of attainable leading-edge thrust. Features improved numerical accuracy and additional capabilities. Provides analysis as well as design capability and applicable to both subsonic and supersonic flow. Replaces earlier wing-design code designated WINGDES (see LAR-13315). Written in FORTRAN V.

Darden, Christine M.↗

Monolithic Unidirectional Planar Ring Laser

Operation based on induced birefringence of stressed laser medium. Unidirectional operation of ring laser made possible by polarization-dependent differential loss induced by some combination of reciprocal and nonreciprocal polarization effects. Concept arises from theoretical analysis of monolithic unidirectional nonplanar ring laser described in article, "Monolithic Unidirectional Nonplanar Ring Laser" (LAR-14146). Potential for use in metrology and spectroscopy.

Nilsson, Alan C.↗

Generating Semi-Markov Models Automatically

Abstract Semi-Markov Specification Interface to SURE Tool (ASSIST) program developed to generate semi-Markov model automatically from description in abstract, high-level language. ASSIST reads input file describing failure behavior of system in abstract language and generates Markov models in format needed for input to Semi-Markov Unreliability Range Evaluator (SURE) program (COSMIC program LAR-13789). Facilitates analysis of behavior of fault-tolerant computer. Written in PASCAL.

Johnson, Sally C.↗

Crystalline Imide/Arylene Ether Copolymers

Series of imide/arylene ether block copolymers prepared by using arylene ether blocks to impart low melt viscosity, and imide blocks to provide high strength and other desirable mechanical properties. Work represents extension of LAR-14159 on imide/arylene ether copolymers in form of films, moldings, adhesives, and composite matrices. Copolymers potentially useful in variety of high-temperature aerospace and microelectronic applications.

Jensen, Brian J.↗

Servo Reduces Friction In Flexure Bearing

Proposed servocontrol device reduces such resistive torques as stiction, friction, ripple, and cogging in flexure bearing described in LAR-14348, "Flexure Bearing Reduces Startup Friction". Reduces frictional "bump" torque encountered when bearing ball runs into buildup of grease on bearing race. Also used as cable follower to reduce torque caused by cable and hoses when they bend because of motion of bearing. New device includes torquer across ball race. Torquer controlled by servo striving to keep flexure at null, removing torque to outer ring. In effect, device is inner control loop reducing friction, but does not control platforms or any outer-control-loop functions.

Clingman, W. Dean↗

Probe And Drogue For Quick Attachment And Detachment

Prototype probe-and-drogue attachment mechanism connects and disconnects parts quickly and locks them together positively. Probe intended to be capturing stud, and drogue is mating recess in panel to be captured, as described in "Easy Attachment Of Panels To A Truss" (LAR-14478). Accommodates large alignment error when parts brought together.

Thomson, Mark↗