Project Number: 6402-22320-003-06
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 01, 2004
End Date: Jul 31, 2008

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project are: (1) to adapt lightweight, inexpensive thermal IR sensors for use on a small fixed-wing platform (Cessna 172), (2) to test resolution of the system using fire ant mounds as a model and test / increase GPS accuracy of the airborne data, and (3) determine effects of fire ant mound temperature, ambient temperature, time of day, and season on accuracy of mound detection using thermal IR. Collectively, these objectives support the primary objective of the research, which is to use airborne thermal imagery to detect fire ant mounds.

Approach:
Objective 1: Integrate the plane's GPS system into thermal IR video or stills, and develop a stabilized platform for mounting the thermal IR sensor. Objective 2: Capture imagery of appropriate study sites containing fire ant mounds of different sizes; gather GPS locations and sizes of fire ant mounds on the ground; using photo interpretation and feature recognition determine accuracy of mound detection in images. Objective 3: Capture imagery of appropriate study sites and associated ground data at different times of day and during different seasons, analyze data as in Objective 2; use multiple regression techniques to determine factors that influence detection; develop predictive models using detectable mounds to extrapolate population-level information from images.