projects > land characteristics from remote sensing > work plan
U.S. Geological Survey, Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystems Science (GE PES)Fiscal Year 2005 Study Work PlanStudy Title: Land Characteristics from Remote Sensing Overview & Objective(s): The primary goal of this study is to provide restoration-critical information regarding past and current characteristics of the Greater Everglades land surface (i.e., 'landscape dynamics') for improved landscape-scale modeling and restoration monitoring. The study develops innovative methods for geospatial data production and analysis of land surface characteristics over space and through time. The generated data provide baseline information necessary to begin monitoring the effects of restoration actions. Results of study landscape analyses facilitate more efficient and effective sampling strategies and improve field instrument placement. Structured study experiments increase our understanding of the relationships among surface features (e.g., vegetation and water) within the context of hydrologic, ecologic, and climate processes. The study has three primary objectives:
Specific Relevance to Major Unanswered Questions and Information Needs Identified: The work of this study addresses many of the major unanswered questions and key research needs identified in the DOI Science Plan (DOISP), the Restoration Coordination and Verification Program Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP), and the National Park Service Critical Ecosystem Studies Initiative (CESI) Program Announcement (RFP # Q528404CESI). Tasks 1 through 3 contribute comprehensively to the development of landscape-scale modeling and monitoring outlined in the DOISP (i.e., projects to improve the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water and landscape-scale science needed to support multiple CERP activities) through (a) development of techniques and protocols for scaling of point-measured data collected in the field to moderate and regional extents through remote sensing and geographic analysis, (b) development of well-calibrated data that can be used to establish baselines, conduct historic analyses, and monitor regional scale biophysical processes and (c) the development of tools and information for vegetation, water, and habitat assessment and monitoring at regional scales over intra- and inter-annual timeframes. Although Task activities are often technique-development oriented, they are conducted with an applications focus so that specific information needs of the MAP are met by each experiment. For example, while it accomplishes the integration of a flexible airborne imaging system, the solution hole mapping activity of Task 1 also develops a needed performance measure (GE-A4) identified in the MAP (section 3.1.4.7). Similarly, while it builds our capability for hyperspectral remote sensing, the periphyton research activity of Task 1 is directly responsive to trophic systems monitoring requirements for periphyton production, cover, and composition associated with the key uncertainty of vegetation mapping technology development (MAP Section 3.1.4.5) as well as using hyperspectral systems as a cost-effective way of mapping Everglades landscape and water quality patterns. This study supports the CESI restoration goal 1 (Get the Water right) by contributing to efforts to: improve linkages between and/or develop fully coupled hydrologic/hydro-dynamic/ecologic models, monitor the response of species sensitive to changes in hydrology, and develop parameters needed for the population of various models. It also includes the collection field measurements in critical areas and the development of methods to estimate parameter values from commonly available information. It contributes directly to the CESI restoration goal 2 (Restore, Preserve, and Protect Natural Habitats) by generating information on spatial and temporal plant community cover and density in marl prairie, ridge and slough, and tree island habitats in the southern Everglades and by conducting data analysis to stress the synergistic use of in-situ and remotely-sensed vegetation data. Study Task 4 directly supports CESI restoration goal 3 (Foster Compatibility of the Built and Natural Systems) by conducting surveys on public perception of the restoration's goals and benefits and developing/applying tools for economic analysis of cost/benefit strategies of restoration. Because study data collection and analyses are conducted at multiple scales (up to regional), this study specifically supports several projects listed in the DOI Science Plan. These include (a) WCA 3 Decompartmentalization and sheetflow enhancement, (b) baseline studies and monitoring of plant community species composition, cover, and density in marl prairie and ridge and slough habitats in the southern Everglades, and (c) Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands research to understand the links between hydrology and ecology. Data and change detection methods developed through this research are also expected to contribute to fire management and invasive species detection/monitoring needs of DOI land managers. Status: Previous study research has established a sound foundation of data (e.g., 64 moderate-resolution satellite images providing intra- and inter-annual temporal coverage and other recent products listed below), hardware and software (e.g., handheld radiometer and remote sensing algorithms), methods (e.g., non-destructive leaf area index vegetation characterization protocol), skills (e.g., the development of additional project personnel capable of digital photogrammetric and geospatial analyses), and collaborative relationships (e.g., with researchers from the University of Maryland, Florida International University, and SFWMD) to enable substantial progress in the application of remote sensing and geospatial analysis to South Florida science and restoration needs. Pieces of database construction, algorithm development, and analysis for Tasks 1 through 3 listed below (e.g., landscape ecology research on vegetation direction and density, and vegetation/topography analysis) were already well underway in FY04. Products from these activities will enter the production and distribution stages in early FY05. With the exception of field data collection for the periphyton study (Task 1, activity b), all funds in FY05 will be directed toward analyses, documentation, and presentation of project results. Recent Products: -Big Cypress/Pine Island Satellite Image Map Planned Products: -Map of solution holes for pilot study areas of the Rocky Glades Region. WORK PLAN Title of Task 1: Field/remote sensing technique development for scaling studies, data calibration, and targeted CERP-MAP work activities Task Summary and Objectives: If remote sensing technologies are to provide the best information possible for Everglades science, restoration, and management, the development of field data collection methods is necessary. The activities of this task develop novel ways of extracting information from existing sensor systems and provide test-bed opportunities that allow us to stipulate future system requirements. Examples of the field collection technologies being developed by this study include those for handheld spectral radiometry, non-destructive vegetation structure assessment, global-positioning-system, and land cover validation data collection. Because the large size of the Greater Everglades Region makes the use of moderate and gross resolution satellite data attractive, methods are also needed to 'scale' point-based measurements to progressively larger areas. Experiments in scaling require fine-resolution airborne imaging. Objectives of this Task include: (a) continued refinement of the aforementioned field data collection technologies, (b) integration and deployment of color and color-infrared airborne imaging systems that rely on readily available airborne platforms (e.g., DOI or contract helicopters), and (c) the application of these technologies to the provision of critical information needs for the CERP (as described in the next section). Work to be undertaken during the proposal year and a description of the methods and procedures:
Specific Task Product(s): Fact Sheet (November 2004). Title of Task 2: Construction of well-calibrated, high quality multi-resolution and multi-temporal databases for landscape-scale modeling and targeted CERP-MAP work activities. Task Summary and Objectives: This task is focused on the development and testing of methods for multi-temporal satellite data radiometric calibration and atmospheric correction to provide for most accurate and consistent land cover change analysis, biophysical remote sensing, and CERP monitoring. The objective is to build a remote sensed database that is:
Work to be undertaken during the proposal year and a description of the methods and procedures: Three different calibration and atmospheric correction algorithms will be implemented and rigorously evaluated for their efficiency and effectiveness in producing consistent, regional temporal series of satellite data for Everglades research and monitoring. This evaluation will be completed using the rich, previously assembled data base of Landsat TM, Landsat MSS, SPOT XS, and AVHRR data augmented with new acquisitions of MODIS, ASTER, Hyperion, and other satellite/airborne data. Because coverage by these sensor systems is regional and the ultimate use of these data is land surface change monitoring, this Task directly supports most restoration projects south of Lake Okeechobee. Specific Task Product(s): Report on satellite data calibration and atmospheric correction algorithm comparison (November, 2004). Title of Task 3: Landscape dynamics for landscape model development and enhancement Task Summary and Objectives: This task builds upon the knowledge gained and information produced through Tasks 1 and 2. The tenets and methods of landscape ecology are used to produce restoration-relevant understanding of landscape dynamics (variations in land cover across space and through time) for the Greater Everglades region. We will conduct exploratory and structured experiments to uncover associations among landscape dynamics and the anthropogenic and non-human forces that influence them. Foci for this task include spatial analysis of calibrated field and remote sensed data, change detection using calibrated remote sensed data, and the linkage of land surface changes to underlying environmental gradients, episodic natural events, or restoration actions. Work to be undertaken during the proposal year and a description of the methods and procedures: (Page numbers below refer to DOI Science Plan.) This year, the study will begin testing hypotheses in three subject areas:
Specific Task Product(s): Digital Atlas of ENP vegetation and topography (January, 2005). Title of Task 4: Portfollio Land Use Modeler application to the South Florida Region Task Summary and Objectives: The Portfolio Modeler was created to value and compare various land use scenarios in terms of their mitigation of potential hazards impacts. The objective of this task is to adapt and apply the Portfolio Modeler and other socio-economic analyses tools (as appropriate) to the assessment of costs/benefits associated with various land use scenarios in the South Florida Region. Work to be undertaken during the proposal year and a description of the methods and procedures: Scope of the project for the FY05 year is limited to foundational assessment of possible model indicators and establishment of appropriate multi-agency contacts. It is essentially the start of a pilot study. This study would provide a unique and significant contribution to the economic analysis of cost/benefit strategies of restoration as called for by the CESI. Specific Task Product(s): Plan for the modification and application of socio-economic tools to issues in South Florida (September, 2005). |
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
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Last updated: 24 February, 2006 @ 12:26 PM(KP)