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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Interpretation of ERTS-MSS images of a Savanna area in eastern Colombia

The application of ERTS-1 imagery for extrapolating existing soil maps into unmapped areas of the Llanos Orientales of Colombia, South America is discussed. Interpretations of ERTS-1 data were made according to conventional photointerpretation techniques. Most units delineated in the existing reconnaissance soil map at a scale of 1:250,000 could be recognized and delineated in the ERTS image. The methods of interpretation are described and the results obtained for specific areas are analyzed.

Elberson, G. W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Toward RADSCAT measurements over the sea and their interpretation

Investigations into several areas which are essential to the execution and interpretation of suborbital observations by composite radiometer - scatterometer sensor (RADSCAT) are reported. Experiments and theory were developed to demonstrate the remote anemometric capability of the sensor over the sea through various weather conditions. It is shown that weather situations found in extra tropical cyclones are useful for demonstrating the all weather capability of the composite sensor. The large scale fluctuations of the wind over the sea dictate the observational coverage required to correlate measurements with the mean surface wind speed. Various theoretical investigations were performed to establish a premise for the joint interpretation of the experiment data. The effects of clouds and rains on downward radiometric observations over the sea were computed. A method of predicting atmospheric attenuation from joint observations is developed. In other theoretical efforts, the emission and scattering characteristics of the sea were derived. Composite surface theories with coherent and noncoherent assumptions were employed.

Claassen, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Volcanism subprogram: Volcanological interpretation of the northern part of the Occidental Cordillera of Bolivia, utilizing ERTS imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. In the present study, 6 ERTS-1 images have been interpreted on a 1:1 million scale (black and white) with the respective field reconnaissance. The area studied is located in the region bordering with Chile and includes the western part of the Bolivian Altiplano, the volcano Cordillera (western cordillera) and the northern part of Chile to the Pacific Coast. The greater part of this region is formed by Pliocene/Pleistocene volcani rock, which is discordant with the Tertiary sediments with intercalations of calcareous tuff. The ERTS-1 imagery permits the tracing of regional boundaries of the great volcanic formations and the alinements of the volcanic bodies along the fault zones. They also permit a clear examination of the volcanic apparatus, including their secondary forms, such as lava flows, parasitic cones, and lava domes. Because of the great scale, it is not possible to identify either the small structures or those of low relief. On the basis of the interpretation of the images, it is possible to give an idea of the relative age of the volcanoes.

Brockmann, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Implementation of ILLIAC 4 algorithms for multispectral image interpretation

Research has focused on the design and partial implementation of a comprehensive ILLIAC software system for computer-assisted interpretation of multispectral earth resources data such as that now collected by the Earth Resources Technology Satellite. Research suggests generally that the ILLIAC 4 should be as much as two orders of magnitude more cost effective than serial processing computers for digital interpretation of ERTS imagery via multivariate statistical classification techniques. The potential of the ARPA Network as a mechanism for interfacing geographically-dispersed users to an ILLIAC 4 image processing facility is discussed.

Ray, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Interpretation of VLF phase data

The specific applications of very low frequency phase tracking are described. The requirements for correct interpretation of very low frequency phase data are defined. The effects of the lower ionosphere and the ground along the path of signal propagation are analyzed. The following subjects are discussed: (1) interpretation equipment, (2) representation of very low frequency waves, (3) diurnal effects and mode interference phenomena, (4) antipodal interference, and (5) overall effects resulting from solar flares, galactic X-rays, and geomagnetic parameters.

Reder, F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Experimental approach toward holographic interferometric fringe interpretation

Current literature concerning the measurement of small displacements by the laser holographic technique was reviewed. It was found that existing theories are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to apply to any realistic nondestructive testing conditions in which the geometries of the objects are complex and the three-dimensional displacements are irregular. An experimental approach was adopted for interpreting correlation between real time holographic fringe patterns and small displacements. Preliminary results show that the present method is feasible for the quantitative interpretation of the fringes as well as the calibration of the mobile HNDT system.

Liu, H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

On the interpretation of the observed cometary scintillations

A previous interpretation of strong fluctuations in the intensity of a radio source observed during its occultation by the plasma tail and head of Comet Kohoutek a few days after the latter's perihelion passage is examined to explain the consequence of this interpretation that plasma irregularities moved toward the cometary nucleus with speeds of between 66 and 94 km/sec. It is shown that this reversed velocity may be associated with a nonlinear wave coupled to the turbulent plasma and propagating toward the nucleus with a typical Alfven speed. The reported abrupt cessation of the radio intensity fluctuations at a distance of 80,000 km from the nucleus is shown to be due to a rather abrupt change in the plasma density.

Ip, W.-H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interpretation and mapping of gypsy moth defoilation from ERTS (LANDSAT)-1 temporal composites

The author has identified the following significant results. Photointerpretation of temporally composited color Diazo transparencies of ERTS(LANDSAT) images is a practical method for detecting and locating levels of widespread defoliation. ERTS 9 x 9 inch images are essentially orthographic and are produced at a nearly constant 1:1,000,000 scale. This allows direct superposition of scenes for temporal composites. ERTS coverage provides a sweeping 180 km (110 mile) wide view, permitting one interpreter to rapidly delineate defoliation in an area requiring days and weeks of work by aerial surveys or computerized processing. Defoliation boundaries can be located on the images within maximum errors on the order of hundreds of meters. The enhancement process is much less expensive than aerial surveys or computerized processing. Maps produced directly from interpretation are manageable working products. The 18 day periodic coverage of ERTS is not frequent enough to replace aerial survey mapping because defoliation and refoliation move as waves.

Mcmurtry, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

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.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A methodology for small scale rural land use mapping in semi-arid developing countries using orbital imagery. Part 6: A low-cost method for land use mapping using simple visual techniques of interpretation

The author has identified the following significant results. It was found that color composite transparencies and monocular magnification provided the best base for land use interpretation. New methods for determining optimum sample sizes and analyzing interpretation accuracy levels were developed. All stages of the methodology were assessed, in the operational sense, during the production of a 1:250,000 rural land use map of Murcia Province, Southeast Spain.

Vangenderen, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Geomorphic interpretation of Skylab photography collected over the Nevada portion of the Great Basin

Skylab S190B black and white photography has a useful reconnaissance capability in geomorphic mapping of landform features in the arid and semi-arid Great Basin. Enlargement of original photographic data products to a scale of 1:250,000 scale compatible with published topographic maps permits ready identification and classification of most landform elements. However, interpretation suffers through the lack of stereoscopic coverage and introduces problems relating to scale and loss of detail. When aircraft underflight photography for the same area is used as a data enhancement tool, problems of scale, detail, and interpretation are diminished. The combination of orbital and underflight photographic coverage provides a regional overview in which the interrelationships of both micro- and macro-scale landforms become apparent.

Frater, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Applied photo interpretation for airbrush cartography

Lunar and planetary exploration has required the development of new techniques of cartographic portrayal. Conventional photo-interpretive methods employing size, shape, shadow, tone, pattern, and texture are applied to computer-processed satellite television images. Comparative judgements are affected by illumination, resolution, variations in surface coloration, and transmission or processing artifacts. The portrayal of tonal densities in a relief illustration is performed using a unique airbrush technique derived from hill-shading of contour maps. The control of tone and line quality is essential because the mid-gray to dark tone densities must be finalized prior to the addition of highlights to the drawing. This is done with an electric eraser until the drawing is completed. The drawing density is controlled with a reflectance-reading densitometer to meet certain density guidelines. The versatility of planetary photo-interpretive methods for airbrushed map portrayals is demonstrated by the application of these techniques to the synthesis of nonrelief data.

Inge, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

On the physical interpretation of the cosmic-ray transport equations

It is pointed out that an earlier paper (Jokipii and Parker, 1967) had discussed in detail the question of the interpretation of the energy-change terms in the general equation for cosmic-ray transport in the solar wind, so that no need exists to reassess the physical interpretation, as urged by Gleeson and Webb (1974). The question concerns the expression for the adiabatic deceleration, which is 'replaced' by an expression for the mean rate of change of momentum of fast particles. It is pointed out that these two expressions represent two essentially different quantities. The adiabatic deceleration refers to the mean rate loss of kinetic energy of an individual particle as a result of the expansion of the gas and magnetic field of the wind. This parameter can in no way depend on the gradient of the fast particle density, as does the mean rate of change of momentum of the fast particles.

Jokipii, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Geologic interpretation of new observations of the surface of Venus

New radar observations of the surface of Venus provide further evidence of a diverse and complex geologic evolution. The radar bright feature 'Beta' (24 deg N, 85 deg W) is seen to be a 700 km diameter region elevated a maximum of approximately 10 km relative to its surroundings with a 60 x 90 km wide depression at its summit. 'Beta' is interpreted to be a large volcanic construct, analogous to terrestrial and Martian shield volcanoes. Two large, quasi-circular areas of low reflectivity, examples of a class of features interpreted to be impact basins by previous investigators who were without the benefit of actual topographic information, are shown in altimetry maps to be depressions. Thus the term 'basin' can be applied, although we urge a non-genetic usage until more complete understanding of their origin is achieved through analysis of future observations.

Saunders, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Analysis and interpretation of Viking labeled release experimental results

The Viking Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment on the surface of Mars produced data consistent with a biological interpretation. In considering the plausibility of this interpretation, terrestrial life forms were identified which could serve as models for Martian microbial life. Prominent among these models are lichens which are known to survive for years in a state of cryptobiosis, to grow in hostile polar environments, to exist on atmospheric nitrogen as sole nitrogen source, and to survive without liquid water by absorbing water directly from the atmosphere. Another model is derived from the endolithic bacteria found in the dry Antarctic valleys; preliminary experiments conducted with samples of these bacteria indicate that they produce positive LR responses approximating the Mars results. However, because of the hositility of the Martian environment to life, and the failure to find organics on the surface of Mars, a number of nonbiological explanations were advanced to account for the Viking LR data. A reaction of the LR nutrient with putative surface hydrogen peroxide is the leading candidate. Other possibilities raised include reactions caused by or with ultraviolet irradiation, gamma-Fe2O3, metalloperoxides or superoxides.

Levin, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Some confusion factors in radar image interpretation

Geologic interpretation of radar imagery for land use applications is discussed with reference to its dependence on classification of the radar return into categories related to some training area within the image. It is shown that such interpretation relies on the assumption that surface characteristics of areas with similar returns are truly similar. It is further shown that this may not always be true over water surfaces due to the influence of system parameters on the radar return. In imagery over land, both system parameters and scene parameters may lead to ambiguous returns which can ultimately lead to misinterpretation.

Blanchard, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Remote sensing and image interpretation

A textbook prepared primarily for use in introductory courses in remote sensing is presented. Topics covered include concepts and foundations of remote sensing; elements of photographic systems; introduction to airphoto interpretation; airphoto interpretation for terrain evaluation; photogrammetry; radiometric characteristics of aerial photographs; aerial thermography; multispectral scanning and spectral pattern recognition; microwave sensing; and remote sensing from space.

Lillesand, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The use of interpractive graphic displays for interpretation of surface design parameters

An interactive computer graphics technique known as the Graphic Display Data method has been developed to provide a convenient means for rapidly interpreting large amounts of surface design data. The display technique should prove valuable in such disciplines as aerodynamic analysis, structural analysis, and experimental data analysis. To demonstrate the system's features, an example is presented of the Graphic Data Display method used as an interpretive tool for radiation equilibrium temperature distributions over the surface of an aerodynamic vehicle. Color graphic displays were also examined as a logical extension of the technique to improve its clarity and to allow the presentation of greater detail in a single display.

Talcott, N. A., Jr.↗