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Land Cover/Land Use Classification and Change Detection Analysis with Astronaut Photography and Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis

For over fifty years, NASA astronauts have taken exceptional photographs of the Earth from the unique vantage point of low Earth orbit (as well as from lunar orbit and surface of the Moon). The Crew Earth Observations (CEO) Facility is the NASA ISS payload supporting astronaut photography of the Earth surface and atmosphere. From aurora to mountain ranges, deltas, and cities, there are over two million images of the Earth's surface dating back to the Mercury missions in the early 1960s. The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth website (eol.jsc.nasa.gov) provides a publically accessible platform to query and download these images at a variety of spatial resolutions and perform scientific research at no cost to the end user. As a demonstration to the science, application, and education user communities we examine astronaut photography of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area for three time steps between 1998 and 2016 using Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) to classify and quantify land cover/land use and provide a template for future change detection studies with astronaut photography.

Hollier, Andi B.↗

Multiresource analysis and information system concepts for incorporating LANDSAT and GIS technology into large area forest surveys

A method of relating different classifications at each stage of a multistage, multiresource inventory using remotely sensed imagery is discussed. A class transformation matrix allowing the conversion of a set of proportions at one stage, to a set of proportions at the subsequent stage through use of a linear model, is described. The technique was tested by applying it to Kershaw County, South Carolina. Unsupervised LANDSAT spectral classifications were correlated with interpretations of land use aerial photography, the correlations employed to estimate land use classifications using the linear model, and the land use proportions used to stratify current annual increment (CAI) field plot data to obtain a total CAI for the county. The estimate differed by 1% from the published figure for land use. Potential sediment loss and a variety of land use classifications were also obtained.

Langley, P. G.↗

New Hampshire Ecological Conservation: Predicting Future Conflicts between Loon Habitats and Human Development in New Hampshire using NASA Earth Observations

Bioindicator species monitoring allows researchers to infer the overall ecological health of a given area. Among these species, the Common Loon (Gavia immer), occupies the land-water interface on lakefront habitats in New Hampshire (NH) which exposes nest sites to human encroachment. In collaboration with the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC), we utilized NASA Earth observations to predict future conflicts between loon habitats and human development in New Hampshire. Land use & land cover (LULC), water clarity, and land surface temperature (LST) were analyzed to determine habitat suitability for loons. We used land cover classifications from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) to analyze development around eight NH lakes (Canobie, First Connecticut, Massabesic, Newfound, Onway, Squam, Umbagog, and Winnipesaukee) from 2001 to 2019. Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data provided land surface temperature between 2000 and 2022. Additionally, we utilized Landsat 8 OLI imagery to estimate water clarity between 2013 and 2022. LULC analysis identified areas of development around each lake for 2001, 2019, and land available for future development as of 2019. Assessment of mean summer land surface temperature revealed that loons' presence persists, despite increasing temperatures. We observed increased average water clarity in lakes that were more developed, in general the southernmost lakes analyzed within NH. We synthesized these results to assist the LPC in future conservation efforts.

ACOLITE↗

LANDSAT Applications for the State of Delaware

The first phase of a cooperative demonstration project between the Eastern Regional Remote Sensing Applications Center and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is summarized. Separate land cover classifications were performed for three counties in Delaware using multiseasonal LANDSAT data from April 3 and July 20, 1974. The objective of the New Castle County and Kent County classifications was to provide general land cover information with special emphasis on existing farmland and deciduous and coniferous forest, respectively. A detailed study of existing inland and coastal wetland vegetation communities was attempted for Sussex County. Detailed accuracy assessments were conducted for general land cover in New Castle and Kent Counties and for wetland communities in Sussex County. The classifications were combined to provide a statewide Level I land cover map and acreage statistics. Based on these results, the participating state agencies determined that LANDSAT is a viable tool for mapping and monitoring land cover within the state.

Gervin, J. C.↗

Artificial neural network classification using a minimal training set - Comparison to conventional supervised classification

Recent research has shown an artificial neural network (ANN) to be capable of pattern recognition and the classification of image data. This paper examines the potential for the application of neural network computing to satellite image processing. A second objective is to provide a preliminary comparison and ANN classification. An artificial neural network can be trained to do land-cover classification of satellite imagery using selected sites representative of each class in a manner similar to conventional supervised classification. One of the major problems associated with recognition and classifications of pattern from remotely sensed data is the time and cost of developing a set of training sites. This reseach compares the use of an ANN back propagation classification procedure with a conventional supervised maximum likelihood classification procedure using a minimal training set. When using a minimal training set, the neural network is able to provide a land-cover classification superior to the classification derived from the conventional classification procedure. This research is the foundation for developing application parameters for further prototyping of software and hardware implementations for artificial neural networks in satellite image and geographic information processing.

Hepner, George F.↗

Use of remote sensing in agriculture

The remote sensing studies of (a) cultivated peanut areas in Southeastern Virginia; (b) studies at the Virginia Truck and Ornamentals Research Station near Painter, Virginia, the Eastern Virginia Research Station near Warsaw, Virginia, the Tidewater Research and Continuing Education Center near Suffolk, Virginia, and the Southern Piedmont Research and Continuing Education Center Blackstone, Virginia; and (c) land use classification studies at Virginia Beach, Virginia are presented. The practical feasibility of using false color infrared imagery to detect and determine the areal extent of peanut disease infestation of Cylindrocladium black rot and Sclerotinia blight is demonstrated. These diseases pose a severe hazard to this major agricultural food commodity. The value of remote sensing technology in terrain analyses and land use classification of diverse land areas is also investigated. Continued refinement of spectral signatures of major agronomic crops and documentation of pertinent environmental variables have provided a data base for the generation of an agricultural-environmental prediction model.

Pettry, D. E.↗

Agricultural land cover mapping with the aid of digital soil survey data

A study is recounted which assessed the effect of stratifying multidate Landsat MSS data on land cover classification accuracy. The study area covered 49,184 ha (121,534 acres) in Gentry County in northwestern Missouri. A pixel-by-pixel comparison of the two land cover classifications with field-verified land cover indicated improvements in identification of all cover types when land areas were stratified by soils. The introduction of soil map information to the land cover mapping process can improve discrimination of land cover types and reduce confusion among crop types that may be caused by soil-specific management practices, soil-induced crop development differences, and background reflectance characteristics.

Stoner, E. R.↗

Classification and area estimation of land covers in Kansas using ground-gathered and LANDSAT digital data

Ground-gathered data and LANDSAT multispectral scanner (MSS) digital data from 1981 were analyzed to produce a classification of Kansas land areas into specific types called land covers. The land covers included rangeland, forest, residential, commercial/industrial, and various types of water. The analysis produced two outputs: acreage estimates with measures of precision, and map-type or photo products of the classification which can be overlaid on maps at specific scales. State-level acreage estimates were obtained and substate-level land cover classification overlays and estimates were generated for selected geographical areas. These products were found to be of potential use in managing land and water resources.

May, G. A.↗

Application transfer activity in Missouri

Land use mapping of Missouri from LANDSAT imagery was investigated. Land resource classification included the inventory of mined land, accomplished with infrared aerial photography, plus topographic, geologic and hydrologic maps.

Barr, D. J.↗

Investigation of remote sensing techniques as inputs to operational resource management

The author has identified the following significant results. Visual interpretation of 1:125,000 color LANDSAT prints produced timely level 1 maps of accuracies in excess of 80% for agricultural land identification. Accurate classification of agricultural land via digital analysis of LANDSAT CCT's required precise timing of the date of data collection with mid to late June optimum for western South Dakota. The LANDSAT repetitive nine day cycle over the state allowed the surface areas of stockdams and small reservoir systems to be monitored to provide a timely approximation of surface water conditions on the range. Combined use of DIRS, K-class, and LANDSAT CCT's demonstrated the ability to produce aspen maps of greater detail and timeliness than was available using US Forest Service maps. Visual temporal analyses of LANDSAT imagery improved highway map drainage information and were used to prepare a seven county drainage network. An optimum map of flood-prone areas was developed, utilizing high altitude aerial photography and USGS maps.

Schmer, F. A.↗

Eulusmap - An international land resources map utilizing satellite imagery

The paper describes the European land use map ('Eulusmap') sponsored by the World Land Use Survey Commission and printed in May 1978. The map was compiled on the basis of theme extraction techniques applied to Landsat-1 imagery. Various aspects of Landsat-image analysis are discussed here, and detailed consideration is given to the land-use classification system developed by the World Land Use Survey Commission.

Paludan, T.↗

The ABAG biogenic emissions inventory project

The ability to identify the role of biogenic hydrocarbon emissions in contributing to overall ozone production in the Bay Area, and to identify the significance of that role, were investigated in a joint project of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and NASA/Ames Research Center. Ozone, which is produced when nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons combine in the presence of sunlight, is a primary factor in air quality planning. In investigating the role of biogenic emissions, this project employed a pre-existing land cover classification to define areal extent of land cover types. Emission factors were then derived for those cover types. The land cover data and emission factors were integrated into an existing geographic information system, where they were combined to form a Biogenic Hydrocarbon Emissions Inventory. The emissions inventory information was then integrated into an existing photochemical dispersion model.

Carson-Henry, C.↗

Remote sensing in Iowa agriculture: Identification and classification of Iowa crop lands using ERTS-1 and complimentary underflight imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Results of the continuing analysis of ERTS-1 imagery covering Iowa during 1972 and periods during 1973 are covered. Emphasis is placed on the identification and classification of major crop types at two test sites in Iowa. Standard photointerpretive methods were used in this analysis including the direct enlargement of black and white single-band products and additive color multi-band procedures using a miniadcol system. The use of sequential coverage during the crop growing season is emphasized as a means to improve the effectiveness of ERTS-1 photointerpretations of crop land acreage estimates in Iowa. Illustrative black and white and color prints of both ERTS-1 and underflight imagery are included. In addition, forest land inventories at one test site are reported. A new method for the inventory of forest lands using ERTS-1 imagery is reported and compared with estimates obtained using earlier underflight imagery.

Mahlstede, J. P.↗

A comparison of two methods for classifying forestland

Two methods of developing land-cover classifications using Landsat multispectral data were compared. The first method, called P-1, uses a semi-automated approach to develop training statistics which characterize the land-cover types. The second, called multicluster blocks, depends more on analyst interaction to produce the training statistics used by the classifier. The results showed that P-1 performed as well as the multicluster-blocks approach on a mountainous study area in southwestern Colorado. These results may interest any resource discipline which has available to it ground-checked or photointerpreted information. P-1 can use this information directly to output a land-cover classification with little analyst interaction.

Nelson, R. F.↗

Using NASA Techniques to Atmospherically Correct AWiFS Data for Carbon Sequestration Studies

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas emitted in a number of ways, including the burning of fossil fuels and the conversion of forest to agriculture. Research has begun to quantify the ability of vegetative land cover and oceans to absorb and store carbon dioxide. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Forest Service is currently evaluating a DSS (decision support system) developed by researchers at the NASA Ames Research Center called CASA-CQUEST (Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach-Carbon Query and Evaluation Support Tools). CASA-CQUEST is capable of estimating levels of carbon sequestration based on different land cover types and of predicting the effects of land use change on atmospheric carbon amounts to assist land use management decisions. The CASA-CQUEST DSS currently uses land cover data acquired from MODIS (the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), and the CASA-CQUEST project team is involved in several projects that use moderate-resolution land cover data derived from Landsat surface reflectance. Landsat offers higher spatial resolution than MODIS, allowing for increased ability to detect land use changes and forest disturbance. However, because of the rate at which changes occur and the fact that disturbances can be hidden by regrowth, updated land cover classifications may be required before the launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, and consistent classifications will be needed after that time. This candidate solution investigates the potential of using NASA atmospheric correction techniques to produce science-quality surface reflectance data from the Indian Remote Sensing Advanced Wide-Field Sensor on the RESOURCESAT-1 mission to produce land cover classification maps for the CASA-CQUEST DSS.

Holekamp, Kara L.↗

Comparison of Land Cover Information from LANDSAT MSS and Airborne TMS for Hydrological Applications: Preliminary Results

Land cover information for the Clinton River Basin (Michigan) derived from LANDSAT multispectral scanner (MSS) data was compared with that from airborne thematic mapper simulator (TMS) to investigate the probable capabilities of the thematic mapper (TM) launched aboard LANDSAT-4 in July 1982. The preliminary findings for one 7.5 minute topographic map, Mt. Clemens West, are reported. Significant improvements in land cover classification accuracy were obtained using TMS data as compared with MSS data. Overall mapping accuracy increased from 49 to 61 percent with an improvement from 71 to 84 percent in the residential category. A combination of four bands with one band in each major region of the spectrum (visible, near IR, middle IR and thermal IR) provided as good a discrimination of land cover as all seven TM bands. Based on the improved land cover classification accuracy of TM, TM data has the potential to provide more useful and effective input to US Army Corps of Engineers flood forecasting and flood damage prediction/assessment models.

Gervin, J. C.↗

Stratifying Tropical Fires by Land Cover: Insights into Amazonian Fires, Aerosol Loading, and Regional Deforestation

This study analyzes changes in the number of fires detected on forest, grass, and transition lands during the 2002-2009 biomass burning seasons using fire detection data and co-located land cover classifications from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We find that the total number of detected fires correlates well with MODIS mean aerosol optical depth (AOD) from year to year, in accord with other studies. However, we also show that the ratio of forest to savanna fires varies substantially from year to year. Forest fires have trended downward, on average, since the beginning of 2006 despite a modest increase in 2007. Our study suggests that high particulate matter loading detected in 2007 was likely due to a large number of savanna/agricultural fires that year. Finally, we illustrate that the correlation between annual Brazilian deforestation estimates and MODIS fires is considerably higher when fires are stratified by MODIS-derived land cover classifications.

TenHoeve, J. E.↗