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At least 91 records · Page 5

Mapping a Better Vintage

Vineyards such as those located in California's Napa Valley tend to be subdivided into relatively large fields or blocks that often encompass heterogeneous physical conditions. Since growers typically treat the entire block as a single minimum management unit for cultivation and harvest, mapping and monitoring the variability within a block is a concern. Over the last decade, an increasing number of vineyard managers have utilized digital remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to visualize the variability within their blocks. With computer software designed to overlay remotely sensed imagery with environmental and agronomic geographic data on a map, GIS helps growers recognize and explain patterns that might not have been obvious otherwise. GIS can also serve as a valuable archiving mechanism for future reference. To further develop the use of image technology and GIS for vineyard management support, NASA's Earth Science Enterprise partnered with the U.S. wine and commercial remote sensing industries for a project known as the Viticultural Integration of NASA Technologies for Assessment of the Grapevine Environment (VINTAGE). With project investigators from NASA's Ames Research Center, the California State University at Monterey Bay, and the University of Montana, several prototype products have been developed to support agricultural decisions concerning canopy management and irrigation practice. One key VINTAGE aspect involved the evaluation of satellite and airborne multispectral imagery for delineation of sub-block management zones within a vineyard.

Source record↗

Simulating water dynamics related to pedogenesis across space and time: Implications for four-dimensional digital soil mapping

Digital soil mapping (DSM) relies on machine-learning and geostatistics to represent soil property observations across space. DSM techniques are powerful but often empirical, being limited to the quality and density of point samples. Water dynamics are closely related to soil variability, and the physics that govern water movement are well known. Hydrological properties can hence be simulated by physical models through space and time, unveiling key characteristics about soils. We propose the use of hydrologic models to map soils across the surface (2D), depth (1D), and time (1D)–which provides a 4D approach to digital soil mapping (4DSM). The Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was applied to a watershed currently under pasture. Moisture sensors and wells were installed at different depths in the watershed on summit, sideslope and toeslope positions to validate the model. DHSVM simulations of soil moisture distribution and depth to saturation were performed during the hydrological year (October 2008-September 2009). Clusters of similar pixels based on soil moisture values were determined using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to align temporal data and K-means. Clustering was performed both seasonally and for the entire year. Temporal patterns simulated by DHSVM matched measurements given by moisture sensors and wells. Seasonal clusters differed from the annual cluster. Distinct clusters were observed for each season and with depth, showing that spatiotemporal soil variability is lost when statically assessing soils. Spatiotemporal clusters corroborated field observations of fragipan occurrence not explicitly spatially mapped by Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO). If a connection can be made between water and soils, static and dynamic soil variability can be predicted using physically based hydrologic models. Hydrologic models can benefit soil mapping by enabling reliable 4D simulation of water dynamics, which are fundamental to soil variability and soil classification and directly relate to biological, physical and chemical soil processes not captured by typical soil sampling protocols.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Eulusmap: An international land resources map utilizing satellite imagery

In 1972, the International Geographical Union's Commission on World Land Use Survey adopted a project for a land-use map of Europe. Such a map, under the name Eulusmap was started earlier under sponsorship of several government offices in Hungary. Although there was great response from a number of contributors in many countries, it became evident by mid-1974 that the map would contain gaps and some inaccuracies unless additional data sources were utilized. By then, the satellite Landsat-1 had obtained imagery of most of Europe. Using theme extraction techniques, the map was completed in draft form and portions of it displayed at the 23d International Geographical Congress in Moscow during July 1976. Printing of the completed map was accomplished in May 1978.

Paludan, T.↗

Historic climate, cosmogenic 10Be, denudation-rate, and geospatial datasets from the Pikes Peak region, Colorado, USA

This data package contains geographic information system (GIS) layers and tabular datasets associated with the study of elevation-dependent denudation rates on Pikes Peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA. The package includes GIS layers used to produce the study-area map, including sample locations, sample watershed boundaries, the Pikes Peak batholith, Pleistocene glacier extent, weather station locations, and elevation and hillshade rasters, together with comma-separated value (CSV) tables and matching CSV data dictionaries. These mapped layers provide the geographic framework for interpreting denudation patterns across the Pikes Peak region and for relating sample locations to watershed geometry, bedrock setting, glacial history, and nearby climate stations. The first group of tables reports climate and geospatial context for the study area. These files include station-based temperature and precipitation data used to characterize elevational gradients in mean annual climate and monthly climate seasonality, sample locations, denudation-rate and topographic metrics, fixed frost-cracking model parameters, frost-cracking intensity and precipitation-frequency metrics, and stream-power inversion results. Together, these data provide the basis for evaluating how denudation varies with elevation, climate, and landscape form across sampled catchments on Pikes Peak. The second group of tables reports cosmogenic nuclide and erosion-model results used in the denudation analysis. Included files contain accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements for in situ-produced cosmogenic beryllium-10 (10Be), including sample identifiers, measured 10Be:9Be ratios, analytical uncertainties, carrier mass, quartz mass, blank corrections, blank-group statistics, and calculated 10Be concentrations and uncertainties. Additional tables summarize stream-power-law inversion results for sampled catchments, including optimized model parameters, predicted erosion rates, residual metrics, channel-pixel counts, and convergence status, as well as regression equations and summary statistics used to evaluate relationships among elevation, climate, frost cracking, precipitation forcing, and denudation rate. The package contains GIS files, comma-separated value files (.csv), Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx), CSV data dictionaries, a file-level metadata table, and a readme text file.

10Be cosmogenic nuclides↗

Noise Exposure Maps of Urban Air Mobility

A noise exposure map is “a scaled geographic depiction of an airport, its noise exposure contours, noise-sensitive facilities, and land uses in the airport surrounding area” developed in accordance with the FAA’s 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 150. This paper is the first to explore the applicability of airport noise exposure maps to Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The FAA’s airport noise compatibility planning program is first described. Then the applicability of the noise exposure map to Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is explored. Finally, new airspace infrastructure, including vertiport locations and UAM routes from NASA’s UAM engineering simulations, and local noise-sensitive facility locations and land use information were collected and processed to develop the noise exposure maps of UAM near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The DNL noise contours resulting from a six-passenger electric quadrotor prototype vehicle are predicted using NASA’s AIRNOISEUAM software. The noise exposure maps of UAM are generated automatically using Python’s data analysis and visualization libraries. The results have applications for UAM’s noise compatibility planning, noise-reducing route planning, and vertiport location selection

Urban Air Mobility↗

Noise Exposure Map of Urban Air Mobility

A noise exposure map is “a scaled geographic depiction of an airport, its noise exposure contours, noise-sensitive facilities, and land uses in the airport surrounding area” developed in accordance with the FAA’s 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 150. This paper is the first to explore the applicability of airport noise exposure maps to Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The FAA’s airport noise compatibility planning program is first described. Then the applicability of the noise exposure map to Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is explored. Finally, new airspace infrastructure, including vertiport locations and UAM routes from NASA’s UAM engineering simulations, and local noise-sensitive facility locations and land use information were collected and processed to develop the noise exposure maps of UAM near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The DNL noise contours resulting from a six-passenger electric quadrotor prototype vehicle are predicted using NASA’s AIRNOISEUAM software. The noise exposure maps of UAM are generated automatically using Python’s data analysis and visualization libraries. The results have applications for UAM’s noise compatibility planning, noise-reducing route planning, and vertiport location selection. (To hear the voice please utilize the video uploaded to the record)

Urban Air Mobility↗

Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers, Flagstaff, AZ, 2010

Topics covered include: Detailed Analysis of the Intra-Ejecta Dark Plains of Caloris Basin, Mercury; The Formation and Evolution of Tessera and Insights into the Beginning of Recorded History on Venus: Geology of the Fortuna Tessera Quadrangle (V-2); Geologic Map of the Snegurochka Planitia Quadrangle (V-1): Implications for the Volcanic History of the North Polar Region of Venus; Geological Map of the Fredegonade (V-57) Quadrangle, Venus: Status Report; Geologic Mapping of V-19; Geology of the Lachesis Tessera Quadrangle (V-18), Venus; Comparison of Mapping Tessera Terrain in the Phoebe Regio (V-41) and Tellus Tessera (V-10) Quadrangles; Geologic Mapping of the Devana Chasma (V-29) Quadrangle, Venus; Geologic Mapping of the Aristarchus Plateau Region on the Moon; Geologic Mapping of the Lunar South Pole Quadrangle (LQ-30); The Pilot Lunar Geologic Mapping Project: Summary Results and Recommendations from the Copernicus Quadrangle; Geologic Mapping of the Nili Fossae Region of Mars: MTM Quadrangles 20287, 20282, 25287, 25282, 30287, and 30282; Geologic Mapping of the Mawrth Vallis Region, Mars: MTM Quadrangles 25022, 25017, 25012, 20022, 20017, and 20012; Evidence for an Ancient Buried Landscape on the NW Rim of Hellas Basin, Mars; New Geologic Map of the Argyre Region of Mars: Deciphering the Geologic History Through Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Express Data; Geologic Mapping in the Hesperia Planum Region of Mars; Geologic Mapping of the Meridiani Region of Mars; Geologic Mapping in Southern Margaritifer Terra; Geology of -30247, -35247, and -40247 Quadrangles, Southern Hesperia Planum, Mars; The Interaction of Impact Melt, Impact-Derived Sediment, and Volatiles at Crater Tooting, Mars; Geologic Map of the Olympia Cavi Region of Mars (MTM 85200): A Summary of Tactical Approaches; Geology of the Terra Cimmeria-Utopia Planitia Highland Lowland Transitional Zone: Final Technical Approach and Scientific Results; Geology of Libya Montes and the Interbasin Plains of Northern Tyrrhena Terra, Mars: First Year Results and Second Year Work Plan; Mars Global Geologic Mapping Progress and Suggested Geographic-Based Hierarchal Systems for Unit Grouping and Naming; Progress in the Scandia Region Geologic Map of Mars; Geomorphic Mapping of MTMS -20022 and -20017; Geologic Mapping of the Medusae Fossae Formation, Mars, and the Northern Lowland Plains, Venus; Volcanism on Io: Results from Global Geologic Mapping; Employing Geodatabases for Planetary Mapping Conduct - Requirements, Concepts and Solutions; and Planetary Geologic Mapping Handbook - 2010.

Bleamaster, Leslie F., III↗

Estimation of the Total Electron Content of the Martian Ionosphere using Radar Sounder Surface Echoes

The Martian ionosphere's local total electron content (TEC) and the neutral atmosphere scale height can be derived from radar echoes reflected from the surface of the planet. We report the global distribution of the TEC by analyzing more than 750,000 echoes of the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS). This is the first direct measurement of the TEC of the Martian ionosphere. The technique used in this paper is a novel 'transmission-mode' sounding of the ionosphere of Mars in contrast to the Active Ionospheric Sounding experiment (AIS) on MARSIS, which generally operates in the reflection mode. This technique yields a global map of the TEC for the Martian ionosphere. The radar transmits a wideband chirp signal that travels through the ionosphere before and after being reflected from the surface. The received waves are attenuated, delayed and dispersed, depending on the electron density in the column directly below the spacecraft. In the process of correcting the radar signal, we are able to estimate the TEC and its global distribution with an unprecedented resolution of about 0.1 deg in latitude (5 km footprint). The mapping of the relative geographical variations in the estimated nightside TEC data reveals an intricate web of high electron density regions that correspond to regions where crustal magnetic field lines are connected to the solar wind. Our data demonstrates that these regions are generally but not exclusively associated with areas that have magnetic field lines perpendicular to the surface of Mars. As a result, the global TEC map provides a high-resolution view of where the Martian crustal magnetic field is connected to the solar wind. We also provide an estimate of the neutral atmospheric scale height near the ionospheric peak and observe temporal fluctuations in peak electron density related to solar activity.

magnetic field↗

Mapping Vegetation Structure in Kakadu National Park: An AIRSAR and GIS Application in Conservation

Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) data were used to map vegetation structure in Kakadu National Park Australia as part of the PACRIM project. SAR data were co-registered with Landsat TM, aerial photos, and map data in a geographic information system for a small test area consisting of mangrove, floodplain grasslands, lowland tropical evergreen forest and upland mixed deciduous and evergreen tropical forest near the South Alligator River. Landsat (Thematic Mapper) TM very clearly showed the floristic composition and burn scars from the previous years fires and the AIRSAR data provided a profile of vegetation structure. Extensive field data on vegetation species composition and structure were collected across a series of transects in cooperation with a survey of avifauna in an effort to link the habitat edge structure with bird species responses. A test site was found that contained two types of habitat edges: 1) A structure specific edge - characterized by the appearance of a very strong structural change in the forest canopy occurring in the absence of a substantial turnover in floristics. 2) Floristic edge - a sharp transition in vegetation genetic composition with a mixed set of structural changes. Specific polarization combinations were selected that were highly correlated to a set of desired structural parameters found in the field data. Classification routines were employed to group radar pixels into 3 structural classes based on: the Surface Area to Volume ratio (SA/V) of the stems, the SA/V of the branches, and the leaf area index of the canopy. Separate canopy structure maps were then entered into the GIS and bird responses were observed relative to the classes and their boundaries. Follow-on work will consist of extending this approach to neighboring areas, generating structure maps, predicting bird responses across the edges, and make accuracy assessments.

Imhoff, Marc L.↗

Mapping visual cortex in monkeys and humans using surface-based atlases

We have used surface-based atlases of the cerebral cortex to analyze the functional organization of visual cortex in humans and macaque monkeys. The macaque atlas contains multiple partitioning schemes for visual cortex, including a probabilistic atlas of visual areas derived from a recent architectonic study, plus summary schemes that reflect a combination of physiological and anatomical evidence. The human atlas includes a probabilistic map of eight topographically organized visual areas recently mapped using functional MRI. To facilitate comparisons between species, we used surface-based warping to bring functional and geographic landmarks on the macaque map into register with corresponding landmarks on the human map. The results suggest that extrastriate visual cortex outside the known topographically organized areas is dramatically expanded in human compared to macaque cortex, particularly in the parietal lobe.

Non-NASA Center↗

GeoSAR: A Radar Terrain Mapping System for the New Millennium

GeoSAR Geographic Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a new 3 year effort to build a unique, dual-frequency, airborne Interferometric SAR for mapping of terrain. This is being pursued via a Consortium of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Calgis, Inc., and the California Department of Conservation. The airborne portion of this system will operate on a Calgis Gulfstream-II aircraft outfitted with P- and X-band Interferometric SARs. The ground portions of this system will be a suite of Flight Planning Software, an IFSAR Processor and a Radar-GIS Workstation. The airborne P-band and X-band radars will be constructed by JPL with the goal of obtaining foliage penetration at the longer P-band wavelengths. The P-band and X-band radar will operate at frequencies of 350 Mhz and 9.71 Ghz with bandwidths of either 80 or 160 Mhz. The airborne radars will be complemented with airborne laser system for measuring antenna positions. Aircraft flight lines and radar operating instructions will be computed with the Flight Planning Software The ground processing will be a two-step step process. First, the raw radar data will be processed into radar images and interferometer derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). Second, these radar images and DEMs will be processed with a Radar GIS Workstation which performs processes such as Projection Transformations, Registration, Geometric Adjustment, Mosaicking, Merging and Database Management. JPL will construct the IFSAR Processor and Calgis, Inc. will construct the Radar GIS Workstation. The GeoSAR Project was underway in November 1996 with a goal of having the radars and laser systems fully integrated onto the Calgis Gulfstream-II aircraft in early 1999. Then, Engineering Checkout and Calibration-Characterization Flights will be conducted through November 1999. The system will be completed at the end of 1999 and ready for routine operations in the year 2000.

Thompson, Thomas↗

Mapping Support for Targeted Critical Minerals Exploration and Extraction

The United States’ dependency on imported minerals poses significant risks to economic stability and national security due to potential supply disruptions. Recognizing the strategic importance of critical minerals, the Department of Energy (DOE) emphasizes the need for a secure and resilient supply chain to support emissions reduction, technology development, and capitalization on clean energy opportunities. The DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), in collaboration with the Office of Policy (OP), addresses these vulnerabilities by focusing on upstream domestic critical minerals production, balancing extraction with social and environmental goals, including conservation, environmental justice, and respect for Tribal sovereignty. This report showcases a collaborative effort involving Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to map mineral development potential along with key social and environmental datasets. A geographical information system (GIS)-based web map application was developed as a preliminary tool for environmental analysis, integrating 158 geospatial data layers such as critical habitat, land ownership, economic indicators, and environmental concerns. Data were sourced from agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and USGS and processed using GIS technology to enhance visualization and analysis. The proposed analysis framework categorizes areas into high, mid, and low concern based on withdrawn lands, special status species, the Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI) Mining Composite Index, and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). While the application provides broad visualizations, it is not a substitute for detailed environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Users must conduct further analyses and engage with tribal entities and other stakeholders for comprehensive planning. A case study of the Idaho Cobalt Belt (ICB) in Lemhi County, Idaho, has been provided in the report to illustrate the tool's practical use. This report introduces a GIS application and framework to support stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing areas for critical mineral exploration, promoting secure supply chains, and advancing the nation's energy independence through responsible resource stewardship.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Use of TV pictures obtained from weather satellites to study the geological structure of the earth

Results are presented of Soviet investigations into the use of television imagery obtained from meteorological satellites for the interpretation of tectonics, lithology, and structural properties of the earth. The area investigated encompassed the eastern part of Iran, and the western regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Interpretation of the features identified during the analysis was accomplished by comparing these features with physical, geographic, geological, and tectonic maps. It was concluded that television pictures of the earth from space can be used for geological and structural analysis.

Bashilova, I. I.↗

Interdisciplinary applications and interpretations of ERTS data within the Susquehanna River basin

The author has identified the following significant results. The full potential of high quality data is achieved only with the application of efficient and effective interpretation techniques. An excellent operating system for handling, processing, and interpreting ERTS-1 and other MSS data was achieved. Programs for processing digital data are implemented on a large nondedicated general purpose computer. Significant results were attained in mapping land use, agricultural croplands, forest resources, and vegetative cover. Categories of land use classified and mapped depend upon the geographic location, the detail required, and the types of lands use of interest. Physiographic and structural provinces are spectacularly displayed on ERTS-1 MSS image mosaics. Geologic bedrock structures show up well and formation contacts can sometimes be traced for hundreds of kilometers. Large circular structures and regional features, previously obscured by the detail of higher resolution data, can be seen. Environmental monitoring was performed in three areas: coal strip mining, coal refuse problems, and damage to vegetation caused by insects and pollution.

Mcmurtry, G. J.↗

Passive microwave detection of river-plume fronts in the German Bight

The NASA P-3 aircraft with the L- and S-band radiometer system on board participated in the MARSEN experiments carried out between August 30 and September 23, 1979. Measurements of surface temperature and salinity were concentrated on freshwater outflows of the Rivers Weser and Elbe in the German Bight. Three missions were carried out, on September 19, 22, and 23. The values of salinity are plotted as a function of geographic position, and contour maps of the salinity distribution are generated from the value plots. It is noted that on September 22, during a noon flood-tide, two river-plume salinity fronts were detected when a body of water with higher salinity existed in front of the Weser delta near Bremerhaven generating with the river outflow of lower saline waters a front of delta-S equals 5 per thousand. Another pocket of lower saline waters was found in front of the Elbe delta at Cuxhaven, which in turn set up a strong front of delta-S equals 6 per thousand. The morning low tide of September 23 did not exhibit this extreme condition.

Blume, H.-J. C.↗

Center for Mapping, Ohio State University

There are many future opportunities for Centers for the Commercial Development of Space (CCDS) activities that are directly linked to industry strategic objectives. In the fields of mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS), the near term opportunities may exceed all that have occurred in the past 10 years. It is strongly believed that a national spatial data infrastructure must be established in this country, if we are to remain a leader in the information age.

Starr, Lowell↗

Global Frequency and Distribution of Lightning as Observed from Space by the Optical Transient Detector

The Optical Transient Detector (OTD) is a space-based instrument specifically designed to detect and locate lightning discharges as it orbits the Earth. This instrument is a scientific payload on the MicroLab-1 satellite that was launched into a low-earth, 70 deg. inclination orbit in April 1995. Given the orbital trajectory of the satellite, most regions of the earth are observed by the OTD instrument more than 400 times during a one year period, and the average duration of each observation is 2 minutes. The OTD instrument optically detects lightning flashes that occur within its 1300x1300 sq km field-of-view during both day and night conditions. A statistical examination of OTD lightning data reveals that nearly 1.4 billion flashes occur annually over the entire earth. This annual flash count translates to an average of 44 +/- 5 lightning flashes (intracloud and cloud-to-ground combined) occurring around the globe every second, which is well below the traditional estimate of 100 flashes per second that was derived in 1925 from world thunder-day records. The range of uncertainty for the OTD global totals represents primarily the uncertainty (and variability) in the flash detection efficiency of the instrument. The OTD measurements have been used to construct lightning climatology maps that demonstrate the geographical and seasonal distribution of lightning activity for the globe. An analysis of this annual lightning distribution confirms that lightning occurs mainly over land areas, with an average land:ocean ratio of 10:1. A dominant Northern Hemisphere summer peak occurs in the annual cycle, and evidence is found for a tropically-driven semiannual cycle.

Christian, Hugh J.↗

First Satellite Observations of Lower Tropospheric Ammonia and Methanol

The Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) on the EOS Aura satellite makes global measurements of infrared radiances which are used to derive profiles of species such as O3, CO, H2O, HDO and CH4 as routine standard products. In addition, TES has a variety of special modes that provide denser spatial mapping over a limited geographical area. A continuous-coverage mode (called ''transect'', about 460 km long) has now been used to detect additional molecules indicative of regional air pollution. On 10 July 2007 at about 05:37 UTC (13:24 LMST) TES conducted such a transect observation over the Beijing area in northeast China. Examination of the residual spectral radiances following the retrieval of the TES standard products revealed surprisingly strong features attributable to enhanced concentrations of ammonia (NH3) and methanol (CH3OH), well above the normal background levels. This is the first time that these molecules have been detected in space-based nadir viewing measurements that penetrate into the lower atmosphere.

methanol↗