An investigation into the comparative utility of color infrared aerial photography and LANDSAT data

374 Pages·2013·7.96 MB·English

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF
STEPHEN JOSEPH WALSH for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
in Geography presented on A Uat u 10111
t
Title: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE COMPARATIVE UTILITY OF
COLOR INFRARED AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND LANDSAT DATA
FOR DETAILED SURFACE COVER TYPE MAPPING WITHIN
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, OREGON
Redacted for Privacy
Abstract approved:
James F. Laney
The identification and mapping of surface cover types
within Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, has been effec-
tively completed through the utilization of LANDSAT digital
data and NASA U-2 color infrared aerial photography. Clas-
sification of LANDSAT data for surface cover type identifi-
cation and mapping was accomplished through use of the
Interactive Digital Image Manipulation System (IDIMS) which
provided enormous classification flexibility due to the
interactive capability of IDIMS and its color video display.
LANDSAT data extraction techniques employed in this
research include the generation of grayscales; density
slice; spectral reflectance plots versus pixel frequency
and LANDSAT bands for low sun angle and medium to high sun
angle LANDSAT digital tape dates; spectral relationship
plots; and control clustering of training set selection.
The use of these techniques produced training statistics
which show "good" class discrimination for study area
classification. A covariance matrix, weighted divergence,
and distance between clusters were generated for each of
the 59 training classes to determine if any of the classes
were statistically related and should be combined.
Slope angle, slope aspect, and surface cover type
variation, and to a lesser degree, crown size and crown
density are the main environmental factors which account
for spectral reflectance variation of surface cover types
within Crater Lake National Park. Through an understand-
ing of the influence of environmental factors in the re-
flectance value of surface cover types, one can evaluate
the quality of training statistics and the location of
training areas in order to reduce misclassification or
nonclassification possibilities. A regression analysis,
analysis of variance, T-values, F-values, and beta values
were used to determine the relative degree that certain
environmental factors influence the spectral reflectance
of surface cover types producing a change in the mean re-
flectance of surface cover types per LANDSAT band.
LANDSAT classification accuracy levels for 12 major
surface cover types within Crater Lake National Park range
from 84 to 98 percent. Accuracy levels are inversely re-
lated to the level of detail sought and obtained.
LANDSAT's primary advantages over NASA U-2 color
infrared aerial photography for surface cover type identi-
fication and mapping include: repetitive coverage; computer
compatibility of data without photographic digitizing;
multispectral scanner capability; and the further exten-
sion of wavelengths into the near infrared. The NASA U-2
aerial photography's primary advantages (over LANDSAT) for
surface cover type identification and mapping include:
increased scale; greater resolution; and stereoscopic
viewing. Stereoscopic viewing was accomplished through
use of an Old Delft Scanning stereoscope which provided
1.5 to 4.5 magnification.
"Ground truth" is the link between LANDSAT data,
aerial photography, and actual ground conditions. "Ground
truth" should measure and/or observe surface cover types
and parameters which are capable of influencing the
spectral reflectance as detected by LANDSAT. Geologic
activity, soil conditions, vegetation, and climate have in
the past and do in the present influence the spectral re-
flectance of surface cover types within Crater Lake
National Park, Oregon.
All rights reserved,
Copyright © 1977, Stephen Joseph Walsh
An Investigation into the Comparative Utility of
Color Infrared Aerial Photography and LANDSAT
Data for Detailed Surface Cover Type Mapping
within Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
by
Stephen Joseph Walsh
A THESIS
submitted to
Oregon State University
in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the
degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Completed August, 1977
Commencement June, 1978
APPROVED:
Redacted for Privacy
Prof14 sor of Geography
in charge of major
Redacted for Privacy
Chairman of the epartment of d947/aphy
Redacted for Privacy
Dean of Graduate School
Date thesis is presented rAUCitALJ 11499
Typed by Deanna L. Cramer for Stephen Joseph Walsh
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the
members of my committee: Dr. James F. Lahey, Dr. A. Jon
Kimerling, Dr. Gary L. Benson, Dr. Edward Starkey, Dr. Jerry
Kling, and Dr. J. Granville Jensen, for sharing their time,
experience, and knowledge during my pursuit of the doctoral
degree. I am particularly grateful to Dr. James F. Lahey
who served as major professor and advisor during my doctoral
program. Dr. Lahey's enthusiasm, thoroughness, and deter-
mination in research; his guidance and concern for the
individual; and his patience and motivation have truly been
appreciated and have positively affected my personal
development.
The scale of this research effort was made possible
through the cooperation of the National Park Service; the
USGS's EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the
Environmental Remote Sensing Applications Laboratory (ERSAL)
on the Oregon State University campus; and the Oregon State
University's Computer Center and the Geography Department's
Cartographic Service.
The National Park Service, particularly through Dr.
Edward Starkey, Pacific Northwest Regional Research Coordi-
nator, and Mr. Frank Betts, Superintendent of Crater Lake
National Park, has been very supportive of research activi-
ties and remote sensing application to surface cover type
identification and mapping within the Park.
Mr. Betts and other Crater Lake National Park person-
nel made available camping sites, field checking teams,
personal time and involvement, and most importantly, a real
concern for the research project.
Dr. Edward Starkey, besides providing personal involve-
ment and interest, provided the funds necessary for this
research project, including aerial photography, LANDSAT data,
and the opportunity and cost of data processing at the EROS
Data Center.
The United States Geological Service-operated EROS Data
Center provided most importantly the use of the Interactive
Digital Image Manipulation System (IDIMS). The Data Analysis
Lab at the Center was made exclusively available for this
research. Individuals such as Mr. Fred Waltz, Director of
the Applications Branch of the EROS Data Center, Mr. Wayne
Rodhe, forestry applications specialist, Ms. Shelley Ingle,
computer operator, Mr. Dave Greenlee, computer programmer,
and Mr. Chuck Nelson, our project manager, provided in-
valuable and quality assistance during and after our visit.
Dr. Barry J. Schrumpf, Director of ERSAL, not only
provided me with employment as a research assistant at the
lab for two years, but also acquired, through NASA, color
infrared aerial photography coverage over Crater Lake
National Park for two dates. Without his effort, quality
aerial photography would not have been available.
Mr. Dave Neiss, a member of the Oregon State Univer-
sity's Computer Center, provided great assistance in the
mean reflectance and environmental factor investigation.
Mr. Mark Keppinger, now a member of the Computer Center and
formerly a member of the ERSAL staff, provided initial pro-
cessing of LANDSAT data through use of the Oregon State
University facilities.
Ms. Donna Batch and Mr. John L. Hruska, graduate stu-
dents in Geography and members of the Department's carto-
graphic service, are responsible for the fine cartographic
work in this dissertation. Ms. Batch prepared the map of
the vegetation of Crater Lake National Park and a few figures
within the text. Mr. Hruska prepared the bulk of the
figures within the text. My appreciation is offered to
them.
I would also like to express my appreciation to my
brother, Mr. Larry Walsh, for his assistance during field
work. His patience, energy, cooperation, and durability
are traits of which he can be proud and for which I am
extremely grateful. To my parents, I am appreciative of
their understanding and encouragement during my school
years. Their concern and presence have been unwavering
during the years, regardless of the many miles between us.
During my doctoral research, Mr. David L. Hawley, a
doctoral candidate in Geography at OSU, has provided moral
support, cooperation, and most importantly, friendship. To
him, I wish nothing but success and happiness.
Finally, I would like to express my most sincere
appieciation to my wife Jeannie for her enduring patience,
moral and financial support, sacrifice and love throughout
these long years. This dissertation is dedicated to her.