Manned systems for sensing earth's resources
Earth resources data from man operated airborne/ spaceborne sensors and data handling systems, examining Apollo Applications Program
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Earth resources data from man operated airborne/ spaceborne sensors and data handling systems, examining Apollo Applications Program
Systems design of national system for management of scientific and technological information, including prototype subsystem for handling earth resources data
The following technologies are considered for automatic processing of earth resources data: (1) registration of multispectral and multitemporal images, (2) digital image display systems, (3) data system parameter effects on satellite remote sensing systems, and (4) data compression techniques based on spectral redundancy. The importance of proper spectral band and compression algorithm selections is pointed out.
An investigation was made to determine the feasibility of applying earth resources data to the detection of air pollution, particularly pollution from coal burning. Efforts were also made to detect any damage caused by such pollution to vegetation growth and tree life. Results show that vegetative vigor even at low ambient concentrations was damaged and that Eastern white pine trees were severely damaged by the pollutants.
The studies considered are concerned with the magnitude of the atmospheric effects in multispectral earth resources data taken by satellites and aircraft. The atmospheric effects are present in all space oriented and aerial data even in the so-called atmospheric 'windows' through which all sensors observe the ground. Atmospheric effects are quite varied and depend on several parameters. An atmospheric model developed by Turner et al. (1971) is discussed. The model is applied to the test site, which is located in North Dakota. The results are used to obtain atmospheric correction data for ERTS-1 scanner data.
The Algorithm Simulation Test and Evaluation Program (ASTEP) is a modular computer program developed for the purpose of testing and evaluating methods of processing remotely sensed multispectral scanner earth resources data. ASTEP is written in FORTRAND V on the UNIVAC 1110 under the EXEC 8 operating system and may be operated in either a batch or interactive mode. The program currently contains over one hundred subroutines consisting of data classification and display algorithms, statistical analysis algorithms, utility support routines, and feature selection capability. The current program can accept data in LARSC1, LARSC2, ERTS, and Universal formats, and can output processed image or data tapes in Universal format.
Research performed on NASA and USDA remote sensing projects are reviewed and include: (1) the 1971 Corn Blight Watch Experiment; (2) crop identification; (3) soil mapping; (4) land use inventories; (5) geologic mapping; and (6) forest and water resources data collection. The extent to which ERTS images and airborne data were used is indicated along with computer implementation. A field and laboratory spectroradiometer system is described together with the LARSYS software system, both of which were widely used during the research. Abstracts are included of 160 technical reports published as a result of the work.
Least squares approximation techniques were developed for use in computer aided correction of spatial image distortions for registration of multitemporal remote sensor imagery. Polynomials were first used to define image distortion over the entire two dimensional image space. Spline functions were then investigated to determine if the combination of lower order polynomials could approximate a higher order distortion with less computational difficulty. Algorithms for generating approximating functions were developed and applied to the description of image distortion in aircraft multispectral scanner imagery. Other applications of the techniques were suggested for earth resources data processing areas other than geometric distortion representation.
The progress made and limitations encountered in using ERTS-1 data for resource management in Ohio is surveyed. Photo-opto-electronic techniques were used with special facility equipment and resolution to 10-30 meters was required to determine strip mine features. Lake Erie's sediment patterns were detected along with flooding conditions, large scale vegetative damage caused by toxic air pollutants was identified, Ohio land use categories were tabulated and thematic map containing forested areas was derived. The experimental findings regarding utility/relevance assessment were ranked in 4 classes for all the applications involved. Preliminary recommendations for operational satellite earth resources survey data requirements are presented and data analysis and product dissemination are proposed to be centralized in conjunction with thermal IR data and an increased resolution.
Batch/interactive system can be used to analyze any remotely sensed Earth resources data. Configuration requirements are: 300K bytes of main storage, 200K bytes of storage for IMS, 600K bytes of storage for LCS, five 2314 disk drives, seven 9-track tape drives, and one cluster of digital television equipment.
An Earth Resources Data Processing System was developed to evaluate the system for training, technology transfer, and data processing. In addition to the five sites included in this project two other sites were connected to the system under separate agreements. The experience of these two sites is discussed. The results of the remote terminal project are documented in seven reports: one from each of the five project sites, Purdue University, and an overview report summarizing the other six reports.
The application of remote sensing technology by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is examined. The activities of the USDA Remote-Sensing User Requirement Task Force which include cataloging USDA requirements for earth resources data, determining those requirements that would return maximum benefits by using remote sensing technology and developing a plan for acquiring, processing, analyzing, and distributing data to satisfy those requirements are described. Emphasis is placed on the large area crop inventory experiment and its relationship to the task force.
System allows for processing and analysis of remotely-sensed Earth resources data. System may be modified for other sensors and allows numerous analysis functions on various types of image data.
Spacecraft instrument module configurations which support an earth resource data gathering mission using a thematic mapper sensor were examined. The differences in size of these two experiments necessitated the development of two different spacecraft configurations. Following the selection of the best-suited configurations, a validation phase of design, analysis and modelling was conducted to verify feasibility. The chosen designs were then used to formulate definition for a systems weight, a cost range for fabrication and interface requirements for the thematic mapper (TM).
A survey of private sector developers, users, and interpreters of Earth resources data was conducted in an effort to encourage private investment and participation in remote sensing systems. Results indicate positive interest in participation beyond the current hardware contracting level, however, there is a substantial gap between current market levels and system costs. Issues identified include the selection process for an operating entity, the public/private interface, data collection and access policies, price and profit regulation in a subsidized system, international participation, and the responsibility for research and development. It was agreed that the cost, complexity, and security implications of integrated systems need not be an absolute bar to their private operation.
It is difficult to interpret multispectral Landsat earth resources data in areas of rugged and mountainous terrain because of the topographic effect on the sensor response. The objectives of this study were to examine and quantify the topographic effect on the sensor response from a uniform sand surface, to assess a simple theoretical incidence model for modeling the radiance from the surface, and to simulate Landsat sensor response due to the topographic effect. A field experiment was designed to collect data from a large range of slope angles and aspects at a range of solar elevations, using a hand-held radiometer. Analysis of these data showed that the magnitude of the topographic effect varied as a function of the solar elevation, the azimuthal orientation of the slope, and the slope inclination. The field measured variations in spectral response were found to have generally strong correlations with the theoretical model, and it was shown that the applicability of the Lambertian assumption varied within and between data sets. It is concluded that if slope angle, aspect, and solar zenith angle and azimuth are known, a technique incorporating a model to reduce the topographic effect prior to multispectral classification may be developed.
This paper describes the Resource Analysis Program, an applied geographic information system. Several applications are presented which utilized soil, and other natural resource data, to develop integrated maps and data analyses. These applications demonstrate the methods of analysis and the philosophy of approach used in the mapping system. The applications are evaluated in reference to four major needs of a functional mapping system: data capture, data libraries, data analysis, and mapping and data display. These four criteria are then used to describe an effort to develop the next generation of applied mapping systems. This approach uses inexpensive microcomputers for field applications and should prove to be a viable entry point for users heretofore unable or unwilling to venture into applied computer mapping.
Milestones in the learning process during development of spaceflight capability for different NASA missions are traced from the initial launch of the Mercury escape rocket to the advent of the Shuttle. A detached heat shield on the first manned Mercury orbital flight led to a decision for reentry with retrorockets attached, a situation which demonstrated a need for on-line communications with the spacecraft construction engineers. The Gemini program served to develop EVA techniques and docking procedures essential for the Apollo missions. Apollo 8 circled the moon after only one manned test flight of the equipment due to the success of the first flight. Lunar landing simulation training exposed the astronauts to situations beyond the human ability to respond. The training was justified when computer overload required the pilot to retake manual control of some spacecraft functions during the successful first lunar landing. All lessons previously learned were used to safely return the damaged Apollo 13 to earth. The Skylab missions provided an opportunity to maintain rotating teams of flight controllers on a 24-hr/day basis for periods of months. Finally, the six-year hiatus of U.S. manned space activities between the end of the Skylab missions and the first Shuttle flight provided time for incorporating previous lessons into new procedures, training strategies, and data resources.