Distinguishing Ecological Parameters in a Coastal Area Using a Video System with Visible/Near-infrared/ Mid-infrared Sensitivity

Authors

  • J. H. Everitt
  • D. E. Escobar
  • C. Yang
  • R. I. Lonard
  • F. W. Judd
  • M. A. Alaniz
  • I. Cavazos
  • M. R. Davis

Keywords:

Videography, Landsat Thematic Mapper, reflectance, remote sensing, computer image analysis, accuracy assessment, Texas Gulf Coast.

Abstract

This paper reports on the application of an aerial digital video imaging system with visible (VIS) (0.625-0.635 μm), near-infrared (NIR) (0.845-0.857 μm), and mid-infrared (MIR) (1.631-1.676 μm) spectral sensitivity for distinguishing ecological parameters in a coastal ecosystem on the southern Texas Gulf Coast. This system produces false color imagery similar to that of the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) bands 5, 4, 3. Imagery from this system was useful for differentiating among a variety of land-use types including plant species, soil surface conditions, and water. Computer analysis of the imagery showed that many of the ecological variables could be quantified. An accuracy assessment performed on the classified image showed an overall accuracy of 82.4%. The imagery was also useful for interpreting the coarser resolution TM. Ground radiometric reflectance measurements were made of various ecological parameters to assist in interpreting the imagery.

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Published

1999-10-23

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 4 (1999): Journal of Coastal Research

Section

Articles

License

Authorization for personal use is granted by the Coastal Education and Research Foundation [CERF]. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright for their article is transferred to the publisher if the article is accepted for publication. Assignment of copyright is not required, however, from authors who work for organizations which do not permit such assignment, The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reprduce and distribute the article, inclduing reprints, photographic reproductions, microform, or any other reproductions of a similar nature, and translations.