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Remote Sens., Volume 6, Issue 7 (July 2014) – 39 articles , Pages 5885-6726

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701 KiB  
Article
Predictive Mapping of Dwarf Shrub Vegetation in an Arid High Mountain Ecosystem Using Remote Sensing and Random Forests
by Kim André Vanselow and Cyrus Samimi
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6709-6726; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076709 - 22 Jul 2014
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7185
Abstract
In many arid mountains, dwarf shrubs represent the most important fodder and firewood resources; therefore, they are intensely used. For the Eastern Pamirs (Tajikistan), they are assumed to be overused. However, empirical evidence on this issue is lacking. We aim to provide a [...] Read more.
In many arid mountains, dwarf shrubs represent the most important fodder and firewood resources; therefore, they are intensely used. For the Eastern Pamirs (Tajikistan), they are assumed to be overused. However, empirical evidence on this issue is lacking. We aim to provide a method capable of mapping vegetation in this mountain desert. We used random forest models based on remote sensing data (RapidEye, ASTER GDEM) and 359 plots to predictively map total vegetative cover and the distribution of the most important firewood plants, K. ceratoides and A. leucotricha. These species were mapped as present in 33.8% of the study area (accuracy 90.6%). The total cover of the dwarf shrub communities ranged from 0.5% to 51% (per pixel). Areas with very low cover were limited to the vicinity of roads and settlements. The model could explain 80.2% of the total variance. The most important predictor across the models was MSAVI2 (a spectral vegetation index particularly invented for low-cover areas). We conclude that the combination of statistical models and remote sensing data worked well to map vegetation in an arid mountainous environment. With this approach, we were able to provide tangible data on dwarf shrub resources in the Eastern Pamirs and to relativize previous reports about their extensive depletion. Full article
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621 KiB  
Article
Effect of Bias Correction of Satellite-Rainfall Estimates on Runoff Simulations at the Source of the Upper Blue Nile
by Emad Habib, Alemseged Tamiru Haile, Nazmus Sazib, Yu Zhang and Tom Rientjes
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6688-6708; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076688 - 22 Jul 2014
Cited by 94 | Viewed by 9437
Abstract
Results of numerous evaluation studies indicated that satellite-rainfall products are contaminated with significant systematic and random errors. Therefore, such products may require refinement and correction before being used for hydrologic applications. In the present study, we explore a rainfall-runoff modeling application using the [...] Read more.
Results of numerous evaluation studies indicated that satellite-rainfall products are contaminated with significant systematic and random errors. Therefore, such products may require refinement and correction before being used for hydrologic applications. In the present study, we explore a rainfall-runoff modeling application using the Climate Prediction Center-MORPHing (CMORPH) satellite rainfall product. The study area is the Gilgel Abbay catchment situated at the source basin of the Upper Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia, Eastern Africa. Rain gauge networks in such area are typically sparse. We examine different bias correction schemes applied locally to the CMORPH product. These schemes vary in the degree to which spatial and temporal variability in the CMORPH bias fields are accounted for. Three schemes are tested: space and time-invariant, time-variant and spatially invariant, and space and time variant. Bias-corrected CMORPH products were used to calibrate and drive the Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) rainfall-runoff model. Applying the space and time-fixed bias correction scheme resulted in slight improvement of the CMORPH-driven runoff simulations, but in some instances caused deterioration. Accounting for temporal variation in the bias reduced the rainfall bias by up to 50%. Additional improvements were observed when both the spatial and temporal variability in the bias was accounted for. The rainfall bias was found to have a pronounced effect on model calibration. The calibrated model parameters changed significantly when using rainfall input from gauges alone, uncorrected, and bias-corrected CMORPH estimates. Changes of up to 81% were obtained for model parameters controlling the stream flow volume. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earth Observation for Water Resource Management in Africa)
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773 KiB  
Letter
Quantification of Impact of Orbital Drift on Inter-Annual Trends in AVHRR NDVI Data
by Jyoteshwar R. Nagol, Eric F. Vermote and Stephen D. Prince
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6680-6687; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076680 - 22 Jul 2014
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6534
Abstract
The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series data derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) have been extensively used for studying inter-annual dynamics of global and regional vegetation. However, there can be significant uncertainties in the data due to incomplete atmospheric correction [...] Read more.
The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series data derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) have been extensively used for studying inter-annual dynamics of global and regional vegetation. However, there can be significant uncertainties in the data due to incomplete atmospheric correction and orbital drift of the satellites through their active life. Access to location specific quantification of uncertainty is crucial for appropriate evaluation of the trends and anomalies. This paper provides per pixel quantification of orbital drift related spurious trends in Long Term Data Record (LTDR) AVHRR NDVI data product. The magnitude and direction of the spurious trends was estimated by direct comparison with data from MODerate resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Aqua instrument, which has stable inter-annual sun-sensor geometry. The maps show presence of both positive as well as negative spurious trends in the data. After application of the BRDF correction, an overall decrease in positive trends and an increase in number of pixels with negative spurious trends were observed. The mean global spurious inter-annual NDVI trend before and after BRDF correction was 0.0016 and −0.0017 respectively. The research presented in this paper gives valuable insight into the magnitude of orbital drift related trends in the AVHRR NDVI data as well as the degree to which it is being rectified by the MODIS BRDF correction algorithm used by the LTDR processing stream. Full article
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1164 KiB  
Article
An Approach to Persistent Scatterer Interferometry
by Núria Devanthéry, Michele Crosetto, Oriol Monserrat, María Cuevas-González and Bruno Crippa
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6662-6679; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076662 - 22 Jul 2014
Cited by 107 | Viewed by 8237
Abstract
This paper describes a new approach to Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) data processing and analysis, which is implemented in the PSI chain of the Geomatics (PSIG) Division of CTTC. This approach includes three main processing blocks. In the first one, a set of [...] Read more.
This paper describes a new approach to Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) data processing and analysis, which is implemented in the PSI chain of the Geomatics (PSIG) Division of CTTC. This approach includes three main processing blocks. In the first one, a set of correctly unwrapped and temporally ordered phases are derived, which are computed on Persistent Scatterers (PSs) that cover homogeneously the area of interest. The key element of this block is given by the so-called Cousin PSs (CPSs), which are PSs characterized by a moderate spatial phase variation that ensures a correct phase unwrapping. This block makes use of flexible tools to check the consistency of phase unwrapping and guarantee a uniform CPS coverage. In the second block, the above phases are used to estimate the atmospheric phase screen. The third block is used to derive the PS deformation velocity and time series. Its key tool is a new 2+1D phase unwrapping algorithm. The procedure offers different tools to globally control the quality of the processing steps. The PSIG procedure has been successfully tested over urban, rural and vegetated areas using X-band PSI data. Its performance is illustrated using 28 TerraSAR-X StripMap images over the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Full article
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11793 KiB  
Article
Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis Using Optical Satellite Imagery and GIS Data for the Detection of Mining Sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
by Fritjof Luethje, Olaf Kranz and Elisabeth Schoepfer
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6636-6661; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076636 - 21 Jul 2014
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 11982
Abstract
Earth observation is an important source of information in areas that are too remote, too insecure or even both for traditional field surveys. A multi-scale analysis approach is developed to monitor the Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to [...] Read more.
Earth observation is an important source of information in areas that are too remote, too insecure or even both for traditional field surveys. A multi-scale analysis approach is developed to monitor the Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to identify hot spots of mining activities and provide reliable information about the situation in and around two selected mining sites, Mumba-Bibatama and Bisie. The first is the test case for the approach and the detection of unknown mining sites, whereas the second acts as reference case since it is the largest and most well-known location for cassiterite extraction in eastern Congo. Thus it plays a key-role within the context of the conflicts in this region. Detailed multi-temporal analyses of very high-resolution (VHR) satellite data demonstrates the capabilities of Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) techniques for providing information about the situation during a mining ban announced by the Congolese President between September 2010 and March 2011. Although the opening of new surface patches can serve as an indication for activities in the area, the pure change between the two satellite images does not in itself produce confirming evidence. However, in combination with observations on the ground, it becomes evident that mining activities continued in Bisie during the ban, even though the production volume went down considerably. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA))
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Article
Toward a Satellite-Based System of Sugarcane Yield Estimation and Forecasting in Smallholder Farming Conditions: A Case Study on Reunion Island
by Julien Morel, Pierre Todoroff, Agnès Bégué, Aurore Bury, Jean-François Martiné and Michel Petit
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6620-6635; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076620 - 18 Jul 2014
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 9526
Abstract
Estimating sugarcane biomass is difficult to achieve when working with highly variable spatial distributions of growing conditions, like on Reunion Island. We used a dataset of in-farm fields with contrasted climatic conditions and farming practices to compare three methods of yield estimation based [...] Read more.
Estimating sugarcane biomass is difficult to achieve when working with highly variable spatial distributions of growing conditions, like on Reunion Island. We used a dataset of in-farm fields with contrasted climatic conditions and farming practices to compare three methods of yield estimation based on remote sensing: (1) an empirical relationship method with a growing season-integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, (2) the Kumar-Monteith efficiency model, and (3) a forced-coupling method with a sugarcane crop model (MOSICAS) and satellite-derived fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. These models were compared with the crop model alone and discussed to provide recommendations for a satellite-based system for the estimation of yield at the field scale. Results showed that the linear empirical model produced the best results (RMSE = 10.4 t∙ha−1). Because this method is also the simplest to set up and requires less input data, it appears that it is the most suitable for performing operational estimations and forecasts of sugarcane yield at the field scale. The main limitation is the acquisition of a minimum of five satellite images. The upcoming open-access Sentinel-2 Earth observation system should overcome this limitation because it will provide 10-m resolution satellite images with a 5-day frequency. Full article
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Article
Modelling the Spatial Distribution of Culicoides imicola: Climatic versus Remote Sensing Data
by Jasper Van Doninck, Bernard De Baets, Jan Peters, Guy Hendrickx, Els Ducheyne and Niko E.C. Verhoest
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6604-6619; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076604 - 18 Jul 2014
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6115
Abstract
Culicoides imicola is the main vector of the bluetongue virus in the Mediterranean Basin. Spatial distribution models for this species traditionally employ either climatic data or remotely sensed data, or a combination of both. Until now, however, no studies compared the accuracies of [...] Read more.
Culicoides imicola is the main vector of the bluetongue virus in the Mediterranean Basin. Spatial distribution models for this species traditionally employ either climatic data or remotely sensed data, or a combination of both. Until now, however, no studies compared the accuracies of C. imicola distribution models based on climatic versus remote sensing data, even though remotely sensed datasets may offer advantages over climatic datasets with respect to spatial and temporal resolution. This study performs such an analysis for datasets over the peninsula of Calabria, Italy. Spatial distribution modelling based on climatic data using the random forests machine learning technique resulted in a percentage of correctly classified C. imicola trapping sites of nearly 88%, thereby outperforming the linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression modelling techniques. When replacing climatic data by remote sensing data, random forests modelling accuracies decreased only slightly. Assessment of the different variables’ importance showed that precipitation during late spring was the most important amongst 48 climatic variables. The dominant remotely sensed variables could be linked to climatic variables. Notwithstanding the slight decrease in predictive performance in this study, remotely sensed datasets could be preferred over climatic datasets for the modelling of C. imicola. Unlike climatic observations, remote sensing provides an equally high spatial resolution globally. Additionally, its high temporal resolution allows for investigating changes in species’ presence and changing environment. Full article
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412 KiB  
Article
The Use of a Hand-Held Camera for Individual Tree 3D Mapping in Forest Sample Plots
by Xinlian Liang, Anttoni Jaakkola, Yunsheng Wang, Juha Hyyppä, Eija Honkavaara, Jingbin Liu and Harri Kaartinen
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6587-6603; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076587 - 18 Jul 2014
Cited by 94 | Viewed by 10812
Abstract
This paper evaluated the feasibility of a terrestrial point cloud generated utilizing an uncalibrated hand-held consumer camera at a plot level and measuring the plot at an individual-tree level. Individual tree stems in the plot were detected and modeled from the image-based point [...] Read more.
This paper evaluated the feasibility of a terrestrial point cloud generated utilizing an uncalibrated hand-held consumer camera at a plot level and measuring the plot at an individual-tree level. Individual tree stems in the plot were detected and modeled from the image-based point cloud, and the diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) of each tree was estimated. The detected-results were compared with field measurements and with those derived from the single-scan terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data. The experiment showed that the mapping accuracy was 88% and the root mean squared error of DBH estimates of individual trees was 2.39 cm, which is acceptable for practical applications and was similar to the results achieved using TLS. The main advantages of the image-based point cloud data lie in the low cost of the equipment required for the data collection, the simple and fast field measurements and the automated data processing, which may be interesting and important for certain applications, such as field inventories by landowners who do not have supports from external experts. The disadvantages of the image-based point cloud data include the limited capability of mapping small trees and complex forest stands. Full article
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Article
Application of Physically-Based Slope Correction for Maximum Forest Canopy Height Estimation Using Waveform Lidar across Different Footprint Sizes and Locations: Tests on LVIS and GLAS
by Taejin Park, Robert E. Kennedy, Sungho Choi, Jianwei Wu, Michael A. Lefsky, Jian Bi, Joshua A. Mantooth, Ranga B. Myneni and Yuri Knyazikhin
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6566-6586; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076566 - 18 Jul 2014
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9217
Abstract
Forest canopy height is an important biophysical variable for quantifying carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. Active light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors with discrete-return or waveform lidar have produced reliable measures of forest canopy height. However, rigorous procedures are required for an accurate [...] Read more.
Forest canopy height is an important biophysical variable for quantifying carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. Active light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors with discrete-return or waveform lidar have produced reliable measures of forest canopy height. However, rigorous procedures are required for an accurate estimation, especially when using waveform lidar, since backscattered signals are likely distorted by topographic conditions within the footprint. Based on extracted waveform parameters, we explore how well a physical slope correction approach performs across different footprint sizes and study sites. The data are derived from airborne (Laser Vegetation Imaging Sensor; LVIS) and spaceborne (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System; GLAS) lidar campaigns. Comparisons against field measurements show that LVIS data can satisfactorily provide a proxy for maximum forest canopy heights (n = 705, RMSE = 4.99 m, and R2 = 0.78), and the simple slope correction grants slight accuracy advancement in the LVIS canopy height retrieval (RMSE of 0.39 m improved). In the same vein of the LVIS with relatively smaller footprint size (~20 m), substantial progress resulted from the physically-based correction for the GLAS (footprint size = ~50 m). When compared against reference LVIS data, RMSE and R2 for the GLAS metrics (n = 527) are improved from 12.74–7.83 m and from 0.54–0.63, respectively. RMSE of 5.32 m and R2 of 0.80 are finally achieved without 38 outliers (n = 489). From this study, we found that both LVIS and GLAS lidar campaigns could be benefited from the physical correction approach, and the magnitude of accuracy improvement was determined by footprint size and terrain slope. Full article
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1362 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Status Assessment for Variable Rate Fertilization in Maize through Hyperspectral Imagery
by Chiara Cilia, Cinzia Panigada, Micol Rossini, Michele Meroni, Lorenzo Busetto, Stefano Amaducci, Mirco Boschetti, Valentina Picchi and Roberto Colombo
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6549-6565; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076549 - 18 Jul 2014
Cited by 135 | Viewed by 14377
Abstract
This paper presents a method for mapping the nitrogen (N) status in a maize field using hyperspectral remote sensing imagery. An airborne survey was conducted with an AISA Eagle hyperspectral sensor over an experimental farm where maize (Zea mays L.) [...] Read more.
This paper presents a method for mapping the nitrogen (N) status in a maize field using hyperspectral remote sensing imagery. An airborne survey was conducted with an AISA Eagle hyperspectral sensor over an experimental farm where maize (Zea mays L.) was grown with two N fertilization levels (0 and 100 kg N ha−1) in four replicates. Leaf and canopy field data were collected during the flight. The nitrogen (N) status has been estimated in this work based on the Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI), defined as the ratio between the leaf actual N concentration (%Na) of the crop and the minimum N content required for the maximum biomass production (critical N concentration (%Nc)) calculated through the dry mass at the time of the flight (Wflight). The inputs required to calculate the NNI (i.e., %Na and Wflight) have been estimated through regression analyses between field data and remotely sensed vegetation indices. MCARI/MTVI2 (Modified Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index/Modified Triangular Vegetation Index 2) showed the best performances in estimating the %Na (R2 = 0.59) and MTVI2 in estimating the Wflight (R2 = 0.80). The %Na and the Wflight were then mapped and used to compute the NNI map over the entire field. The NNI map agreed with the NNI estimated using field data through traditional destructive measurements (R2 = 0.70) confirming the potential of using remotely sensed indices to assess the crop N condition. Finally, a method to derive a pixel based variable rate N fertilization map was proposed as the difference between the actual N content and the optimal N content. We think that the proposed operational methodology is promising for precision farming since it represents an innovative attempt to derive a variable rate N fertilization map based on the actual crop N status from an aerial hyperspectral image. Full article
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1521 KiB  
Article
Algorithm for Extracting Digital Terrain Models under Forest Canopy from Airborne LiDAR Data
by Almasi S. Maguya, Virpi Junttila and Tuomo Kauranne
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6524-6548; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076524 - 16 Jul 2014
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6841
Abstract
Extracting digital elevationmodels (DTMs) from LiDAR data under forest canopy is a challenging task. This is because the forest canopy tends to block a portion of the LiDAR pulses from reaching the ground, hence introducing gaps in the data. This paper presents an [...] Read more.
Extracting digital elevationmodels (DTMs) from LiDAR data under forest canopy is a challenging task. This is because the forest canopy tends to block a portion of the LiDAR pulses from reaching the ground, hence introducing gaps in the data. This paper presents an algorithm for DTM extraction from LiDAR data under forest canopy. The algorithm copes with the challenge of low data density by generating a series of coarse DTMs by using the few ground points available and using trend surfaces to interpolate missing elevation values in the vicinity of the available points. This process generates a cloud of ground points from which the final DTM is generated. The algorithm has been compared to two other algorithms proposed in the literature in three different test sites with varying degrees of difficulty. Results show that the algorithm presented in this paper is more tolerant to low data density compared to the other two algorithms. The results further show that with decreasing point density, the differences between the three algorithms dramatically increased from about 0.5m to over 10m. Full article
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Article
Moving Vehicle Information Extraction from Single-Pass WorldView-2 Imagery Based on ERGAS-SNS Analysis
by Feng Gao, Bo Li, Qizhi Xu and Chen Zhong
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6500-6523; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076500 - 16 Jul 2014
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7627
Abstract
Due to the fact that WorldView-2 (WV2) has a small time lag while acquiring images from panchromatic (PAN) and two multispectral (MS1 and MS2) sensors, a moving vehicle is located at different positions in three image bands. Consequently, such displacement can be utilized [...] Read more.
Due to the fact that WorldView-2 (WV2) has a small time lag while acquiring images from panchromatic (PAN) and two multispectral (MS1 and MS2) sensors, a moving vehicle is located at different positions in three image bands. Consequently, such displacement can be utilized to identify moving vehicles, and vehicle information, such as speed and direction can be estimated. In this paper, we focus on moving vehicle detection according to the displacement information and present a novel processing chain. The vehicle locations are extracted by an improved morphological detector based on the vehicle’s shape properties. To make better use of the time lag between MS1 and MS2, a band selection process is performed by both visual inspection and quantitative analysis. Moreover, three spectral-neighbor band pairs, which have a major contribution to vehicle identification, are selected. In addition, we improve the spatial and spectral analysis method by incorporating local ERGAS index analysis (ERGAS-SNS) to identify moving vehicles. The experimental results on WV2 images showed that the correctness, completeness and quality rates of the proposed method were about 94%, 91% and 86%, respectively. Thus, the proposed method has good performance for moving vehicle detection and information extraction. Full article
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2056 KiB  
Article
Integration of Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery for Improving Crop Mapping in Northwestern Benin, West Africa
by Gerald Forkuor, Christopher Conrad, Michael Thiel, Tobias Ullmann and Evence Zoungrana
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6472-6499; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076472 - 15 Jul 2014
Cited by 144 | Viewed by 11226
Abstract
Crop mapping in West Africa is challenging, due to the unavailability of adequate satellite images (as a result of excessive cloud cover), small agricultural fields and a heterogeneous landscape. To address this challenge, we integrated high spatial resolution multi-temporal optical (RapidEye) and dual [...] Read more.
Crop mapping in West Africa is challenging, due to the unavailability of adequate satellite images (as a result of excessive cloud cover), small agricultural fields and a heterogeneous landscape. To address this challenge, we integrated high spatial resolution multi-temporal optical (RapidEye) and dual polarized (VV/VH) SAR (TerraSAR-X) data to map crops and crop groups in northwestern Benin using the random forest classification algorithm. The overall goal was to ascertain the contribution of the SAR data to crop mapping in the region. A per-pixel classification result was overlaid with vector field boundaries derived from image segmentation, and a crop type was determined for each field based on the modal class within the field. A per-field accuracy assessment was conducted by comparing the final classification result with reference data derived from a field campaign. Results indicate that the integration of RapidEye and TerraSAR-X data improved classification accuracy by 10%–15% over the use of RapidEye only. The VV polarization was found to better discriminate crop types than the VH polarization. The research has shown that if optical and SAR data are available for the whole cropping season, classification accuracies of up to 75% are achievable. Full article
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Article
An Adaptive Model to Monitor Chlorophyll-a in Inland Waters in Southern Quebec Using Downscaled MODIS Imagery
by Anas El-Alem, Karem Chokmani, Isabelle Laurion and Sallah E. El-Adlouni
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6446-6471; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076446 - 15 Jul 2014
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5917
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of an adaptive model (AM) in estimating chlorophyll‑a concentration (Chl‑a) in optically complex inland waters. Chl‑a modeling using remote sensing data is usually based on a single model that generally follows an exponential [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of an adaptive model (AM) in estimating chlorophyll‑a concentration (Chl‑a) in optically complex inland waters. Chl‑a modeling using remote sensing data is usually based on a single model that generally follows an exponential function. The estimates produced by such models are relatively accurate at high Chl‑a concentrations, but accuracy drops at low concentrations. Our objective was to develop an approach combining spectral response classification and three semi-empirical algorithms. The AM discriminates between three blooming classes (waters poorly, moderately, and highly loaded in Chl‑a), with discrimination thresholds set using the classification and regression tree (CART) technique. The calibration of three specific estimators for each class was achieved using a multivariate stepwise regression. Compared to published models (Floating Algae Index, Kahru model, and APProach by ELimination) using the same data set, the AM provided better Chl‑a concentration estimates (R2 of 0.96, relative RMSE of 23%, relative Bias of −2%, and a relative NASH criterion of 0.9). Moreover, the AM achieved an overall success rate of 67% in the estimation of blooming classes (corresponding to low, moderate, and high Chl‑a concentration classes). This was done using an independent data set collected from 22 inland water bodies for the period 2007–2010 and for which the only information available was the blooming class. Full article
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Article
Mapping Coral Reef Benthos, Substrates, and Bathymetry, Using Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) Data
by Ian A. Leiper, Stuart R. Phinn, Chris M. Roelfsema, Karen E. Joyce and Arnold G. Dekker
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6423-6445; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076423 - 14 Jul 2014
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 9670
Abstract
This study used a reef-up approach to map coral reef benthos, substrates and bathymetry, with high spatial resolution hyperspectral image data. It investigated a physics-based inversion method for mapping coral reef benthos and substrates using readily available software: Hydrolight and ENVI. Compact Airborne [...] Read more.
This study used a reef-up approach to map coral reef benthos, substrates and bathymetry, with high spatial resolution hyperspectral image data. It investigated a physics-based inversion method for mapping coral reef benthos and substrates using readily available software: Hydrolight and ENVI. Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) data were acquired over Heron Reef in July 2002. The spectral reflectance of coral reef benthos and substrate types were measured in-situ, and using the HydroLight 4.2 radiative transfer model a spectral reflectance library of subsurface reflectance was simulated using water column depths from 0.5–10.0 m at 0.5 m intervals. Using the Spectral Angle Mapper algorithm, sediment, benthic micro-algae, algal turf, crustose coralline algae, macro-algae, and live coral were mapped with an overall accuracy of 65% to a depth of around 8.0 m; in waters deeper than 8.0 m the match between the classified image and field validation data was poor. Qualitative validation of the maps showed accurate mapping of areas dominated by sediment, benthic micro-algae, algal turf, live coral, and macro-algae. A bathymetric map was produced for water column depths 0.5–10.0 m, at 0.5 m intervals, and showed high correspondence with in-situ sonar data (R2 value of 0.93). Full article
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3177 KiB  
Article
Estimates of Aboveground Biomass from Texture Analysis of Landsat Imagery
by Katharine C. Kelsey and Jason C. Neff
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6407-6422; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076407 - 09 Jul 2014
Cited by 116 | Viewed by 9319
Abstract
Maps of forest biomass are important tools for managing natural resources and reporting terrestrial carbon stocks. Using the San Juan National Forest in Southwest Colorado as a case study, we evaluate regional biomass maps created using physical variables, spectral vegetation indices, and image [...] Read more.
Maps of forest biomass are important tools for managing natural resources and reporting terrestrial carbon stocks. Using the San Juan National Forest in Southwest Colorado as a case study, we evaluate regional biomass maps created using physical variables, spectral vegetation indices, and image textural analysis on Landsat TM imagery. We investigate eight gray level co-occurrence matrix based texture measures (mean, variance, homogeneity, contrast, dissimilarity, entropy, second moment and correlation) on four window sizes (3 × 3, 5 × 5, 7 × 7, 9 × 9) at four offsets ([1,0], [1,1], [0,1], [1,−1]) on four Landsat TM bands (2, 3, 4, and 5). The map with the highest prediction quality was created using three texture metrics calculated from Landsat Band 2 on a 3 × 3 window and an offset of [0,1]: entropy, mean and correlation; and one physical variable: slope. The correlation of predicted versus observed biomass values for our texture-based biomass map is r = 0.86, the Root Mean Square Error is 45.6 Mg∙ha−1, and the Coefficient of Variation of the Root Mean Square Error is 0.31. We find that models including image texture variables are more strongly correlated with biomass than models using only physical and spectral variables. Additionally, we suggest that the use of texture appears to better capture the magnitude and direction of biomass change following disturbance compared to spectral approaches. The biomass mapping methods we present here are widely applicable throughout the US, as they are based on publically available datasets and utilize relatively simple analytical routines. Full article
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Article
Inner FoV Stitching of Spaceborne TDI CCD Images Based on Sensor Geometry and Projection Plane in Object Space
by Xinming Tang, Fen Hu, Mi Wang, Jun Pan, Shuying Jin and Gang Lu
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6386-6406; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076386 - 08 Jul 2014
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 9044
Abstract
High-quality inner FoV (Field of View) stitching is currently a prerequisite step for photogrammetric processing and application of image data acquired by spaceborne TDI CCD cameras. After reviewing the technical development in the issue, we present an inner FoV stitching method based on [...] Read more.
High-quality inner FoV (Field of View) stitching is currently a prerequisite step for photogrammetric processing and application of image data acquired by spaceborne TDI CCD cameras. After reviewing the technical development in the issue, we present an inner FoV stitching method based on sensor geometry and projection plane in object space, in which the geometric sensor model of spaceborne TDI CCD images is used to establish image point correspondence between the stitched image and the TDI CCD images, using an object-space projection plane as the intermediary. In this study, first, the rigorous geometric sensor model of the TDI CCD images is constructed. Second, principle and implementation of the stitching method are described. Third, panchromatic high-resolution (HR) images of ZY-1 02C satellite and triple linear-array images of ZY-3 satellite are utilized to validate the correctness and feasibility of the method. Fourth, the stitching precision and geometric quality of the generated stitched images are evaluated. All the stitched images reached the sub-pixel level in precision. In addition, the geometric models of the stitched images can be constructed with zero loss in geometric precision. Experimental results demonstrate the advantages of the method for having small image distortion when on-orbit geometric calibration of satellite sensors is available. Overall, the new method provide a novel solution for inner FoV stitching of spaceborne TDI CCD images, in which all the sub-images are projected to the object space based on the sensor geometry, performing indirect image geometric rectification along and across the target trajectory. At present, this method has been successfully applied in the daily processing system for ZY-1 02C and ZY-3 satellites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Satellite Mapping Technology and Application)
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5627 KiB  
Article
Improved van Zyl Polarimetric Decomposition Lessening the Overestimation of Volume Scattering Power
by Xiaoguang Cheng, Wenli Huang and Jianya Gong
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6365-6385; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076365 - 08 Jul 2014
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5225
Abstract
This paper improves van Zyl’s Nonnegative Eigenvalue Decomposition (NNED). Orientation angle compensation and helix scattering are introduced to the decomposition. The volume scattering parameters that explain the most cross-polarized power are selected. If volume scattering and helix scattering explain all cross-polarized power in [...] Read more.
This paper improves van Zyl’s Nonnegative Eigenvalue Decomposition (NNED). Orientation angle compensation and helix scattering are introduced to the decomposition. The volume scattering parameters that explain the most cross-polarized power are selected. If volume scattering and helix scattering explain all cross-polarized power in the measured coherency matrix, then simply perform van Zyl decomposition to the remainder matrix; otherwise, the measured coherency matrix is decomposed into three components, i.e., helix scattering, volume scattering, and one ground scattering. The latter two scattering are all modeled by Neumann’s adaptive depolarizing model, according to which some cross-polarized power is attributed to ground scattering hence the orientation angle randomness of volume scattering and the dominant ground scattering are obtained. In this way, all cross-polarized power could be well explained. Experiments using UAVSAR data showed that more than 99.8% of total pixels are well fitted. Negative power is avoided. Compared with van Zyl decomposition, volume scattering power is reduced by up to 8.73% on average. The given volume scattering power is often lower than that by three latest NNED. Full article
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Article
Development of Methods for Detection and Monitoring of Fire Disturbance in the Alaskan Tundra Using a Two-Decade Long Record of Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite Images
by Liza K. Jenkins, Laura L. Bourgeau-Chavez, Nancy H. F. French, Tatiana V. Loboda and Brian J. Thelen
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6347-6364; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076347 - 08 Jul 2014
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7641
Abstract
Using the extensive archive of historical ERS-1 and -2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, this analysis demonstrates that fire disturbance can be effectively detected and monitored in high northern latitudes using radar technology. A total of 392 SAR images from May to August [...] Read more.
Using the extensive archive of historical ERS-1 and -2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, this analysis demonstrates that fire disturbance can be effectively detected and monitored in high northern latitudes using radar technology. A total of 392 SAR images from May to August spanning 1992–2010 were analyzed from three study fires in the Alaskan tundra. The investigated fires included the 2007 Anaktuvuk River Fire and the 1993 DCKN178 Fire on the North Slope of Alaska and the 1999 Uvgoon Creek Fire in the Noatak National Preserve. A 3 dB difference was found between burned and unburned tundra, with the best time for burned area detection being as late in the growing season as possible before frozen ground conditions develop. This corresponds to mid-August for the study fires. In contrast to electro-optical studies from the same region, measures of landscape recovery as detected by the SAR were on the order of four to five years instead of one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantifying the Environmental Impact of Forest Fires)
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Article
A Comparison of Advanced Regression Algorithms for Quantifying Urban Land Cover
by Akpona Okujeni, Sebastian Van der Linden, Benjamin Jakimow, Andreas Rabe, Jochem Verrelst and Patrick Hostert
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6324-6346; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076324 - 07 Jul 2014
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7493
Abstract
Quantitative methods for mapping sub-pixel land cover fractions are gaining increasing attention, particularly with regard to upcoming hyperspectral satellite missions. We evaluated five advanced regression algorithms combined with synthetically mixed training data for quantifying urban land cover from HyMap data at 3.6 and [...] Read more.
Quantitative methods for mapping sub-pixel land cover fractions are gaining increasing attention, particularly with regard to upcoming hyperspectral satellite missions. We evaluated five advanced regression algorithms combined with synthetically mixed training data for quantifying urban land cover from HyMap data at 3.6 and 9 m spatial resolution. Methods included support vector regression (SVR), kernel ridge regression (KRR), artificial neural networks (NN), random forest regression (RFR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Our experiments demonstrate that both kernel methods SVR and KRR yield high accuracies for mapping complex urban surface types, i.e., rooftops, pavements, grass- and tree-covered areas. SVR and KRR models proved to be stable with regard to the spatial and spectral differences between both images and effectively utilized the higher complexity of the synthetic training mixtures for improving estimates for coarser resolution data. Observed deficiencies mainly relate to known problems arising from spectral similarities or shadowing. The remaining regressors either revealed erratic (NN) or limited (RFR and PLSR) performances when comprehensively mapping urban land cover. Our findings suggest that the combination of kernel-based regression methods, such as SVR and KRR, with synthetically mixed training data is well suited for quantifying urban land cover from imaging spectrometer data at multiple scales. Full article
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Article
Evaporative Fraction as an Indicator of Moisture Condition and Water Stress Status in Semi-Arid Rangeland Ecosystems
by Francesco Nutini, Mirco Boschetti, Gabriele Candiani, Stefano Bocchi and Pietro Alessandro Brivio
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6300-6323; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076300 - 07 Jul 2014
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 9233
Abstract
Rangeland monitoring services require the capability to investigate vegetation condition and to assess biomass production, especially in areas where local livelihood depends on rangeland status. Remote sensing solutions are strongly recommended, where the systematic acquisition of field data is not feasible and does [...] Read more.
Rangeland monitoring services require the capability to investigate vegetation condition and to assess biomass production, especially in areas where local livelihood depends on rangeland status. Remote sensing solutions are strongly recommended, where the systematic acquisition of field data is not feasible and does not guarantee properly describing the spatio-temporal dynamics of wide areas. Recent research on semi-arid rangelands has focused its attention on the evaporative fraction (EF), a key factor to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) in the energy balance (EB) algorithm. EF is strongly linked to the vegetation water status, and works conducted on eddy covariance towers used this parameter to increase the performances of satellite-based biomass estimation. In this work, a method to estimate EF from MODIS products, originally developed for evapotranspiration estimation, is tested and evaluated. Results show that the EF estimation from low spatial resolution over wide semi-arid area is feasible. Estimated EF resulted in being well correlated to field ET measurements, and the spatial patterns of EF maps are in agreement with the well-known climatic and landscape Sahelian features. The preliminary test on rangeland biomass production shows that satellite-retrieved EF as a water availability factor significantly increased the capacity of a remote sensing operational product to detect the variability of the field biomass measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earth Observation for Water Resource Management in Africa)
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2470 KiB  
Article
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometry for Assessing Wenchuan Earthquake (2008) Deforestation in the Sichuan Giant Panda Site
by Fulong Chen, Huadong Guo, Natarajan Ishwaran, Wei Zhou, Ruixia Yang, Linhai Jing, Fang Chen and Hongcheng Zeng
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6283-6299; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076283 - 04 Jul 2014
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7443
Abstract
Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been an unparalleled tool in cloudy and rainy regions as it allows observations throughout the year because of its all-weather, all-day operation capability. In this paper, the influence of Wenchuan Earthquake on the Sichuan Giant Panda habitats was [...] Read more.
Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been an unparalleled tool in cloudy and rainy regions as it allows observations throughout the year because of its all-weather, all-day operation capability. In this paper, the influence of Wenchuan Earthquake on the Sichuan Giant Panda habitats was evaluated for the first time using SAR interferometry and combining data from C-band Envisat ASAR and L-band ALOS PALSAR data. Coherence analysis based on the zero-point shifting indicated that the deforestation process was significant, particularly in habitats along the Min River approaching the epicenter after the natural disaster, and as interpreted by the vegetation deterioration from landslides, avalanches and debris flows. Experiments demonstrated that C-band Envisat ASAR data were sensitive to vegetation, resulting in an underestimation of deforestation; in contrast, L-band PALSAR data were capable of evaluating the deforestation process owing to a better penetration and the significant coherence gain on damaged forest areas. The percentage of damaged forest estimated by PALSAR decreased from 20.66% to 17.34% during 2009–2010, implying an approximate 3% recovery rate of forests in the earthquake impacted areas. This study proves that long-wavelength SAR interferometry is promising for rapid assessment of disaster-induced deforestation, particularly in regions where the optical acquisition is constrained. Full article
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976 KiB  
Article
Local Illumination Influence on Vegetation Indices and Plant Area Index (PAI) Relationships
by Flávio Jorge Ponzoni, Clayton Borges da Silva, Sandra Benfica dos Santos, Otávio Cristiano Montanher and Thiago Batista dos Santos
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6266-6282; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076266 - 03 Jul 2014
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5905
Abstract
Relationships between biophysical parameters and radiometric data have been tested and evaluated by several professionals using empirical and/or physical approaches. Remote sensing data collected from airborne or orbital platforms are, of course, influenced by different factors, such as illumination/observation geometry (data collection geometry), [...] Read more.
Relationships between biophysical parameters and radiometric data have been tested and evaluated by several professionals using empirical and/or physical approaches. Remote sensing data collected from airborne or orbital platforms are, of course, influenced by different factors, such as illumination/observation geometry (data collection geometry), atmospheric effects, etc., rather than by target spectral properties. Besides that, the target topographic positioning actually defines the amount of incident energy, as well as the amount of energy that is reflected toward the sensor. The sum of both data collection geometry and topographic positioning defines the so-called “local illumination”. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the influence of local illumination on empirical relationships between a biophysical variable (plant area index, PAI) and two vegetation indices calculated from Resourcesat/Linear Imaging Self-Scanner sensor (LISS-3) orbital data. Local illumination was expressed by the cosine factor (Fcos) and calculated from topographic and solar position data at three different dates. The study area was based on a typical Brazilian southeastern forest fragment located in the Augusto Ruschi municipal preservation park dispersed on roughhouse topography. PAI was estimated by hemispherical photographs taken under the forest canopy from sample points arbitrarily dispersed on the forest fragment. Results confirmed a stronger relationship between vegetation indices and local illumination conditions. Full article
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1045 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the MODIS LAI Product Using Ground Measurement Data and HJ-1A/1B Imagery in the Meadow Steppe of Hulunber, China
by Zhenwang Li, Huan Tang, Xiaoping Xin, Baohui Zhang and Dongliang Wang
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6242-6265; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076242 - 02 Jul 2014
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6161
Abstract
The leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial parameter of vegetation structure. It provides key information for earth surface process simulations and climate change research on the global and regional scales. Focusing on the meadow steppe in Hulunber, Inner Mongolia, China, the present [...] Read more.
The leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial parameter of vegetation structure. It provides key information for earth surface process simulations and climate change research on the global and regional scales. Focusing on the meadow steppe in Hulunber, Inner Mongolia, China, the present study assessed the accuracy of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LAI product in the study area. First, seven field campaigns collecting ground-based measurements were conducted during the growing season in 2013, and 252 pairs of LAIs and spectra were collected. Then, seven scenes of high-resolution LAI maps were obtained from the corresponding 30 m Chinese HJ-1A/1B charge-coupled diode (CCD) images by employing a regression approach. Finally, comparisons between the MODIS LAI product and the high resolution LAI maps were made to determine the accuracy of the MODIS LAI product. Moreover, the corresponding 500 m MODIS LAI maps were derived from the daily MODIS surface reflectance product to support the findings using the 1 km HJ LAI product and the ground-based comparison. The results showed that, compared to the ground data, the MODIS LAI product followed a reasonable seasonal trajectory during the growing season. However, an anomaly existed at the beginning of the growing season. Also, a slight overestimation was found for the MODIS LAI product compared to the HJ-retrieved LAI maps. The average overestimation for the LAI was approximately 0.4 m2/m2, and the relative absolute errors of the product ranged from 10%–50%. The overestimation at the beginning and end of the growing season was higher due to the interference of soil background and grass variation. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the accuracy of the regional MODIS LAI product for the Hulunber meadow steppe. This research is important for improving regional modeling and prediction of vegetation biogeochemical processes and earth system productivity. Full article
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Article
Exploring the Best Hyperspectral Features for LAI Estimation Using Partial Least Squares Regression
by Xinchuan Li, Youjing Zhang, Yansong Bao, Juhua Luo, Xiuliang Jin, Xingang Xu, Xiaoyu Song and Guijun Yang
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6221-6241; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076221 - 01 Jul 2014
Cited by 115 | Viewed by 9350
Abstract
The use of spectral features to estimate leaf area index (LAI) is generally considered a challenging task for hyperspectral data. In this study, the hyperspectral reflectance of winter wheat was selected to optimize the selection of spectral features and to evaluate their performance [...] Read more.
The use of spectral features to estimate leaf area index (LAI) is generally considered a challenging task for hyperspectral data. In this study, the hyperspectral reflectance of winter wheat was selected to optimize the selection of spectral features and to evaluate their performance in modeling LAI at various growth stages during 2008 and 2009. We extracted hyperspectral features using different techniques, including reflectance spectra and first derivative spectra, absorption and reflectance position and vegetation indices. In order to find the best subset of features with the best predictive accuracy, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and variable importance in projection (VIP) were applied to estimated LAI values. The results indicated that the red edge–NIR spectral region (680 nm–1300 nm) was the most sensitive to LAI. Most features in this region exhibited a high correlation with LAI and had higher VIP values, especially the first derivative waveband at 750 nm (r = 0.900, VIP = 1.144). Adding a large number of features would not significantly improve the accuracy of the PLSR model. The PLSR model based on the fourteen features with the highest VIP values predicted LAI with a mean bootstrapped R2 value of 0.880 and a mean RMSE of 0.943 on the validation dataset and produced an estimated LAI result better than that, including the entire 54-feature dataset with a mean R2 of 0.875 and a mean RMSE of 0.965. The results of this study thus suggest that the use of only a few of the best features by VIP values is sufficient for LAI estimation. Full article
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Review
Open Access Data in Polar and Cryospheric Remote Sensing
by Allen Pope, W. Gareth Rees, Adrian J. Fox and Andrew Fleming
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6183-6220; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076183 - 01 Jul 2014
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 15011
Abstract
This paper aims to introduce the main types and sources of remotely sensed data that are freely available and have cryospheric applications. We describe aerial and satellite photography, satellite-borne visible, near-infrared and thermal infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, passive microwave imagers and active [...] Read more.
This paper aims to introduce the main types and sources of remotely sensed data that are freely available and have cryospheric applications. We describe aerial and satellite photography, satellite-borne visible, near-infrared and thermal infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, passive microwave imagers and active microwave scatterometers. We consider the availability and practical utility of archival data, dating back in some cases to the 1920s for aerial photography and the 1960s for satellite imagery, the data that are being collected today and the prospects for future data collection; in all cases, with a focus on data that are openly accessible. Derived data products are increasingly available, and we give examples of such products of particular value in polar and cryospheric research. We also discuss the availability and applicability of free and, where possible, open-source software tools for reading and processing remotely sensed data. The paper concludes with a discussion of open data access within polar and cryospheric sciences, considering trends in data discoverability, access, sharing and use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cryospheric Remote Sensing)
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8109 KiB  
Article
Combined Use of Multi-Temporal Optical and Radar Satellite Images for Grassland Monitoring
by Pauline Dusseux, Thomas Corpetti, Laurence Hubert-Moy and Samuel Corgne
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6163-6182; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076163 - 30 Jun 2014
Cited by 84 | Viewed by 10106
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the ability of optical images, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images and the combination of both types of data to discriminate between grasslands and crops in agricultural areas where cloud cover is very high most of [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the ability of optical images, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images and the combination of both types of data to discriminate between grasslands and crops in agricultural areas where cloud cover is very high most of the time, which restricts the use of visible and near-infrared satellite data. We compared the performances of variables extracted from four optical and five SAR satellite images with high/very high spatial resolutions acquired during the growing season. A vegetation index, namely the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), and two biophysical variables, the LAI (Leaf Area Index) and the fCOVER (fraction of Vegetation Cover) were computed using optical time series and polarization (HH, VV, HV, VH). The polarization ratio and polarimetric decomposition (Freeman–Durden and Cloude–Pottier) were calculated using SAR time series. Then, variables derived from optical, SAR and both types of remotely-sensed data were successively classified using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique. The results show that the classification accuracy of SAR variables is higher than those using optical data (0.98 compared to 0.81). They also highlight that the combination of optical and SAR time series data is of prime interest to discriminate grasslands from crops, allowing an improved classification accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earth Observation for Ecosystems Monitoring in Space and Time)
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Article
Analysis of the Relationship between Land Surface Temperature and Wildfire Severity in a Series of Landsat Images
by Lidia Vlassova, Fernando Pérez-Cabello, Marcos Rodrigues Mimbrero, Raquel Montorio Llovería and Alberto García-Martín
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6136-6162; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076136 - 30 Jun 2014
Cited by 79 | Viewed by 11372
Abstract
The paper assesses spatio-temporal patterns of land surface temperature (LST) and fire severity in the Las Hurdes wildfire of Pinus pinaster forest, which occurred in July 2009, in Extremadura (Spain), from a time series of fifteen Landsat 5 TM images corresponding to 27 [...] Read more.
The paper assesses spatio-temporal patterns of land surface temperature (LST) and fire severity in the Las Hurdes wildfire of Pinus pinaster forest, which occurred in July 2009, in Extremadura (Spain), from a time series of fifteen Landsat 5 TM images corresponding to 27 post-fire months. The differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) was used to evaluate burn severity. The mono-window algorithm was applied to estimate LST from the Landsat thermal band. The burned zones underwent a significant increase in LST after fire. Statistically significant differences have been detected between the LST within regions of burn severity categories. More substantial changes in LST are observed in zones of greater fire severity, which can be explained by the lower emissivity of combustion products found in the burned area and changes in the energy balance related to vegetation removal. As time progresses over the 27 months after fire, LST differences decrease due to vegetation regeneration. The differences in LST and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values between burn severity categories in each image are highly correlated (r = 0.84). Spatial patterns of severity and post-fire LST obtained from Landsat time series enable an evaluation of the relationship between these variables to predict the natural dynamics of burned areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantifying the Environmental Impact of Forest Fires)
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Article
A Python-Based Open Source System for Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) Utilizing Raster Attribute Tables
by Daniel Clewley, Peter Bunting, James Shepherd, Sam Gillingham, Neil Flood, John Dymond, Richard Lucas, John Armston and Mahta Moghaddam
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6111-6135; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076111 - 30 Jun 2014
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 36142
Abstract
A modular system for performing Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA), using entirely open source (General Public License compatible) software, is presented based around representing objects as raster clumps and storing attributes as a raster attribute table (RAT). The system utilizes a number of [...] Read more.
A modular system for performing Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA), using entirely open source (General Public License compatible) software, is presented based around representing objects as raster clumps and storing attributes as a raster attribute table (RAT). The system utilizes a number of libraries, developed by the authors: The Remote Sensing and GIS Library (RSGISLib), the Raster I/O Simplification (RIOS) Python Library, the KEA image format and TuiView image viewer. All libraries are accessed through Python, providing a common interface on which to build processing chains. Three examples are presented, to demonstrate the capabilities of the system: (1) classification of mangrove extent and change in French Guiana; (2) a generic scheme for the classification of the UN-FAO land cover classification system (LCCS) and their subsequent translation to habitat categories; and (3) a national-scale segmentation for Australia. The system presented provides similar functionality to existing GEOBIA packages, but is more flexible, due to its modular environment, capable of handling complex classification processes and applying them to larger datasets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA))
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3804 KiB  
Article
Land-Use Mapping in a Mixed Urban-Agricultural Arid Landscape Using Object-Based Image Analysis: A Case Study from Maricopa, Arizona
by Christopher S. Galletti and Soe W. Myint
Remote Sens. 2014, 6(7), 6089-6110; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6076089 - 30 Jun 2014
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7543
Abstract
Land-use mapping is critical for global change research. In Central Arizona, U.S.A., the spatial distribution of land use is important for sustainable land management decisions. The objective of this study was to create a land-use map that serves as a model for the [...] Read more.
Land-use mapping is critical for global change research. In Central Arizona, U.S.A., the spatial distribution of land use is important for sustainable land management decisions. The objective of this study was to create a land-use map that serves as a model for the city of Maricopa, an expanding urban region in the Sun Corridor of Arizona. We use object-based image analysis to map six land-use types from ASTER imagery, and then compare this with two per-pixel classifications. Our results show that a single segmentation, combined with intermediary classifications and merging, morphing, and growing image-objects, can lead to an accurate land-use map that is capable of utilizing both spatial and spectral information. We also employ a moving-window diversity assessment to help with analysis and improve post-classification modifications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA))
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