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Geology topics

Alden P. Colvocoresses

Publications and source records attributed to Alden P. Colvocoresses.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1987

Denali image map

The Denali National Park and Preserve 1:250,000-scale image map has been prepared and published as part of the US Geological Survey's (USGS) continuing research to improve image mapping techniques. Nine multispectral scanner (MSS) images were geometrically corrected, digitally mosaicked, and enhanced at the National Mapping Division's (NMD) EROS Data Center (EDC). This process involves ground control and digital resampling to the Universal Tranverse Mercator (UTM) projection. This paper specifically discusses the preparation of the digital mosaic and the production peculiarities associated with the Denali National Park and Preserve image map.

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing↗
USGS1984

REPORT ON AN ORBITAL MAPPING SYSTEM.

During June 1984, the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing accepted a committee report that defines an Orbital Mapping System (OMS) to follow Landsat and other Earth-sensing systems. The OMS involves the same orbital parameters of Landsats 1, 2, and 3, three wave bands (two in the visible and one in the near infrared) and continuous stereoscopic capability. The sensors involve solid-state linear arrays and data acquisition (including stereo) designed for one-dimensional data processing. It has a resolution capability of 10-m pixels and is capable of producing 1:50,000-scale image maps with 20-m contours. In addition to mapping, the system is designed to monitor the works of man as well as nature and in a cost-effective manner.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1984

Status and future of satellite image mapping: Based on experience of the U.S. Geological Survey

Space systems now provide data in basically orthographic form which greatly simplifies the production of the image map. Moreover, the multispectral capability of space systems facilitates the use of the color mode when compared to aerial photography. Digital graphical information systems are now being developed on a global basis and the response from space which represents the image in multispectral form will undoubtedly be incorporated into such information systems. Thus, the capability of printing out the image along with more conventional map data will be a viable option.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1982

The economic feasibility of operational earth sensing from space

Earth-sensing satellites designed to follow Landsat involve spatial resolution in the order of 10 to 30 m as compared to the 80 m of the Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS). At these higher resolutions such satellites will perform inspection functions of high importance to government agencies and which are beyond the capabilities of the Landsat MSS. There is considerable evidence that nations that cannot afford their own Earth-sensing satellites are willing to pay a suitable price for the capability of inspecting their own land and adjacent sea areas. A unit price of 25 cents per square km per year is suggested as a reasonable fee which would provide economic viability to a well defined satellite system such as the Mapsat defined by the U.S. Geological Survey. This concept and pricing involve only the satellite and its data acquisition and transmission capability. Data reception, processing and distribution would remain a separate function to be implemented on a local or regional basis as is now done.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1981

Mapsat conceptual design; system overview

After more than 10 years of study and applications of Earth imaging satellite systems, the U. S. Geological Survey has conceptually defined a candidate Operational Land Remote Sensing Satellite. A conceptual design study of this system, known as MAPSAT, has been completed by Itek Optical Systems, a division of Itek Corporation, and the TRW Defense Systems and Space Group. The concept of MAPSAT is based on LANDSAT mission, sensing, and data communication characteristics, but reflects the evolution of technological and application responsiveness.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1981

Digital elevation data as an aid to land use and land cover classification

Elevation data is generally associated with topographic maps and expressed by contours and spot elevations. However, elevation data is also essential to the proper classification of land use and land cover by remote sensing techniques. Absolute elevation governs various types of vegetative growth as does the degree and direction of slope. However, the effect of terrain aspect (slope and direction) on reflectance is of even greater significance. The angular relationship of a surface to the sun can significantly effect the radiometric response. For flat areas this effect is contract but she slopes are involved they must be considered if automated classification is to be applied. To overcome the terrain aspect effect, rating of multi-spectral responses is used in an attempt to eliminate the terrain aspect. However, this is only partially effective and when the terrain aspect controls group cover it is of little or no value. The proper solution to the aspect problem is to obtain and utilize suitable digital elevation data in conjunction with remote sensor response. The relationship of the aspect to the response can be developed by theory of empirical test and when properly applied can neutralize the aspect response. Then the classification of land use and land cover can proceed without the unwanted radiometric anomalies of terrain aspect. In relatively well mapped areas such as the United States and Europe, digital data can be developed from topographic maps or from the stereo aerial photographic movie. For poorer mapped areas (which involved most of the world's land areas), a satellite designed to obtain stereo data offers the best hope for a digital elevation database. Such a satellite, known as Mapsat, has been defined by the U.S. Geological Survey. Utilizing modern solid state technology, there is no reason why such stereo data cannot be acquired simultaneously with the multispectral response, thus simplifying the overall problem of land use and land cover classification.

Pecora VII Symposium↗
USGS1980

Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM) thermal surface water mapping and its correlation to Landsat

The Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM) involves a relatively simple satellite recording the radiation from the Earth in the thermal band (10.5 to 12.5 μ m) using an instantaneous field-of-view (IFOV, "footprint" or pixel) of 600 x 600 m. The enclosed graphics illustrate HCMM thermal mapping of water bodies as applied to Lake Anna. The HCMM digital data were produced by NASA and processed by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration/National Environmental Satellite Service (NOAA/NESS) into image and line-printer form for the U.S. Geological Survey. A Landsat image of Lake Anna illustrates the relationship between the Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) and the HCMM data as now processed by NASA through their Image Processing Facility (IPF) which transforms the data to the same distortion-free Hotine Oblique Mercator (HOM) map projection. Spatial correlation of the two images is relatively simple by either analog or digital means and the HCMM image has a potential accuracy (root-mean-square error--rmse) approaching the 80 m of the original Landsat data.

Open-File Report↗