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Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
USGS2014

ASPRS research on quantifying the geometric quality of lidar data

The ASPRS Lidar Cal/Val (calibration/validation) Working Group led by the US Geological Survey (USGS) to establish “Guidelines on Geometric Accuracy and Quality of Lidar Data” has made excellent progress via regular teleconferences and meetings. The group is focused on identifying data quality metrics and establishing a set of guidelines for quantifying the quality of lidar data. The working group has defined and agreed on lidar Data Quality Measures (DQMs) to be used for this purpose. The DQMs are envisaged as the first ever consistent way of checking lidar data. It is expected that these metrics will be used as standard methods for quantifying the geometric quality of lidar data. The goal of this article is to communicate these developments to the readers and the larger geospatial community and invite them to participate in the process.

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing↗
USGS1963

Photography and imagery: a clarification of terms

The increased use of pictorial displays of data in the fields of photogrammetry and photo interpretation has led to some confusion of terms, not so much b photogrammetrists as bu users and interpreters of pictorial data. The terms "remote sensing" and "remote sensing of environment" are being used as general terms to describe "the measurement of some property of an object without having the measuring device physically in contact with the object" (Parker, 1962). Measurements of size and shape by photogrammetric and optical means are common examples of remote sensing and therefore require no elaboration. Other techniques of remote sensing of electromagnetic radiation in and beyond the limits of the visible spectrum require some explanation and differentiation from the techniques used in the visible spectrum. The following definitions of "photography" and "imagery" are proposed to clarify these two terms in hope that this will lead to more precise understanding and explanation of the processes.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1965

Photointerpretation of Alaskan post-earthquake photography

Aerial photographs taken after the March 27, 1964, Good Friday, Alaskan earthquake were examined stereoscopically to determine effects of the earthquake in areas remote from the towns, highways, and the railroad. The two thousand black and white photographs used in this study were taking in April, after the earthquake, by the U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey and were generously supplied to the U. S. Geological Survey. Part of the photographs, at a scale of 1/24,000, provide blanket coverage of approximately 2,000 square miles of land area north and west of Prince William Sound, including parts of the mainland and some of the adjacent islands. The epicenter of the earthquake, near the head of Unakwik Inlet, is located in this area. The rest of the photographs, at scales ranging from 1/17,000 to 1/40,000, cover isolated strips of the coastline of the mainland and nearby islands in the general area of Prince William Sound. Figure 1 shows the area of new photo coverage used in this study. The objective of the study was to determine quickly whether geological features resulting from the earthquake, such as faults, changes in shoreline, cracks in surficial material, pressure ridges in lake ice, fractures in glaciers and lake ice, and rock slides and avalanches, might be identifiable by photointerpretation. The study was made without benefit of comparisons with older, or pre-earthquake photography, which was not readily available for immediate use.

Alaska↗
USGS1965

Resource understanding: a challenge to aerial methods

Aerial survey methods are speeding acquisition of survey data needed to provide and manage the nation's resources. These methods have been applied to topographic mapping for a number of years and the record clearly shows their advantages in terms of cost and speed in contrast to the ground methods that have been historically employed. Limited use is now being made of aerial methods to assist cadastral surveys, in location, acquisition and development of National Parks, in mapping the geology of the nation, in locating and developing water resources, and in surveys of the oceans. It is the purpose of this paper to call attention to these uses and to encourage the scientific community to further refine aerial methods so that their use may be increased and the veracity of data improved.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1966

Water resources in the Everglades

Aerial photography is playing an important role in the evaluation of the water resources of the almost-inaccessible 1,400 square miles of Everglades in southern Florida. Color, infrared, and panchromatic photographs show salient features that permit evaluation of the overall water resources picture. The fresh water-salt water interface, drainage patterns, ecologic changes resulting from flood and drought, quantities of flow, and other hydrologic features are easily observed or measured from the photographs. Such data permit areal extension of very limited point observations of water resources data, and will assist in providing the necessary guidelines for decisions in water management in the Everglades.

Florida↗
USGS1968

Geological interpretation of a Gemini photo

Study of the Gemini V photograph of the Salt Range and Potwar Plateau, West Pakistan, indicates that small-scale orbital photographs permit recognition of the regional continuity of some geologic features, particularly faults and folds that could he easily overlooked on conventional air photographs of larger scale. Some stratigraphic relationships can also be recognized on the orbital photograph, but with only minimal previous geologic knowledge of the area, these interpretations are less conclusive or reliable than the interpretation of structure. It is suggested that improved atmospheric penetration could be achieved through the use of color infrared film. Photographic expression of topography could also be improved by deliberately photographing some areas during periods of low sun angle.

Potwar Plateau;Salt Rrange↗
USGS1969

The geographic applications program of the U. S. Geological Survey

The fundamental objective of modern Geography is to improve man's level of living through a better understanding of man-environment inter actions. Related goals of the USGS program for applications of remote sensor data to Geographical research are: (1) the analysis and improvement of land use, with special emphasis on urban problems; and (2) more effective use of the total available energy budget, including insolation, mineral fuels, atomic energy, human resources, and mental energy, all of which are integrated into man-environment interactions. The collection of data through remote sensors in air craft and spacecraft is financed largely by funds from NASA, and is part of the much broader EROS Program of the Department of the Interior. Results to date have achieved much toward the identification of remote sensor signatures for Earth features and human activities, and toward evaluation of instruments for collecting essential information.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1969

Satellite imagery of the earth

Photography of the Earth from spacecraft has application to both atmospheric and Earth sciences. Gemini and Apollo photographs have furnished information on sea surface roughness, areas of potential upwelling and oceanic current systems. Regional geologic structures and geomorphologic features are also recorded in orbital photographs. Infrared satellite imagery provides meteorological and hydrological data and is potentially useful for locating fresh water springs along coastal areas, sources of geothermal power and volcanic activity. Ground and airborne surveys are being undertaken to create a basis for the interpretation of data obtained from future satellite systems.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1970

ERTS-A satellite imagery

The first satellite designed to survey the Earth's resources is scheduled to be launched in 1972. This satellite, known as ERTS-A, will telemeter frames of imagery each covering 100-nautical-mile squares of the Earth. Except for the internal anomalies in the sensor system, the imagery, after being properly scaled, rectified, and controlled, may be considered an orthographic view of the Earth and used as a planimetric photomap. The accuracy of this photomap will be limited, principally by the geometric fidelity of the sensor system rather than by external effects, such as relief displacement, which restrict the direct cartographic use of the conventional aerial photograph. ERST-A is not designed as a topographic mapping satellite but does have real potential' for thematic mapping particularly in areas now covered by topographic maps.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1970

Photographic systems for Apollo

The primary objective of the Apollo Lunar Program is to provide data for landing sites. The primary objective of Skylab is to demonstrate the ability of men to operate in space for extended periods of time. As a consequence, neither the missions nor the cameras in either program are optimum for photogrammetric operations. Nevertheless they provide an opportunity to evaluate the contribution that photogrammetry and space can make to the exploration of our own and other planetary bodies in the solar system. New equipment includes: an 18-inch fl camera exposing 430 frames on a roll of 5-inch wide film; a panoramic system of 24-inch fl, 108° sweep, 4.5 by 45-inch film for 1650 exposures; a terrain camera of 3-inch fl, 4.5 X 4.5 film frame; a stellar camera of 3-inch fl on 35-mm film; and a laser altimeter. Six multispectral cameras, 6-inch fl on 70-mm film are planned for Earth photos from Skylab.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1972

Image resolutions for ERTS, SKYLAB and GEMINI/APOLLO

Early in 1972 the first Earth Resource Technology Satellite (ERTS-A) is scheduled for launch in near-polar orbit. It will carry three return-beam-vidicon (RBV) TB cameras and a multispectral scanner (MSS). In 1973 a post-Apollo manned space flight called SKYLAB will orbit the earth at an inclination of 50° to the Equator. In addition to other sensors it will carry a battery of six multispectral cameras identified as experiment S190. This paper compares the images expected from ERTS and SKYLAB with those already obtained from GEMINI/APOLLO, all in terms of the photographic criterion of resolution. Recently provided data have led to several changes in the resolution of ERTS-A forecast a year ago (Colvocoresses, 1970).

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS1975

College and university sources of remote sensing information

Research in remote-sensing applications has increased dramatically since the launch of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite-l (ERTS-l, renamed LANDSAT-I) and Skylab's Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP). It is becoming increasingly more difficult to keep abreast of university research publications related to remote sensing. To assist researchers in locating those universities that are actively publishing research material in remote-sensing technology and applications, this paper lists major colleges by types of publications generated and by application oriented disciplines pursued, and includes a geographical index.

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing↗
USGS1977

A radiometric interpretive legend for Landsat digital thematic maps

A legend is suggested for use with computer-generated thematic maps made from Landsat digital data that designates some of the radiometric characteristics of each thematic map unit as well as the described terrain attributes of each map unit. The relationship between spectral band and radiance for each map unit is shown by a two-dimensional polygon with the four Landsat multispectral scanner bands plotted on the ordinate and radiance levels on the abscissa. The resulting shape is colored to correspond with the map unit color, thus facilitating the recognition and understanding of the computer-generated map units.

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing↗
USGS2014

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) activities at the Department of the Interior

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is responsible for protecting and managing the natural resources and heritage on almost 20% of the land in the United States. The DOI’s mission requires access to remotely sensed data over vast lands, including areas that are remote and potentially dangerous to access. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology has the potential to enable the DOI to be a better steward of the land by: (1) Improving natural hazard forecasting and the analysis of the impacts. (2) Improving the understanding of climate change to better plan for likely impacts. (3) Developing precipitation and evaporation forecasting to better manage water resources. (4) Monitoring Arctic ice change and its impacts on ecosystems, coasts, and transportation. (5) Increasing safety and effectiveness of wildland fire management. (6) Enhancing search and rescue capabilities. (7) Broadening the abilities to monitor environmental or landscape conditions and changes. (8) Better understanding and protecting the Nation’s ecosystems. The initial operational testing and evaluations performed by the DOI have proven that UAS technology can be used to support many of the Department’s activities. UAS technology provides scientists a way to look longer, closer and more frequently at some of Earth’s most remote areas—places that were previously too dangerous or expensive to monitor in detail. The flexibility of operations and relative low cost to purchase and operate Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) enhances the ability to track long-term landscape and environmental change. The initial testing indicates the operational costs are approximately 10% of traditional manned aircraft. In addition, users can quickly assess landscape-altering events such as wildland fires, floods and volcanoes. UAS technology will allow the DOI to do more with less and in the process enhance the Department’s ability to provide unbiased scientific information to help stakeholders make informed decisions. It will also provide a digital baseline record that can be archived and used when monitoring future events or conditions. One possible future scenario has scientists carrying sUAS into the field allowing quick deployment and operation to observe the environment or for emergency response. This scenario could also include a persistent monitoring capability provided by a UAS that can stay airborne over a small geographic area for days or weeks, or possibly longer. While the DOI focus is on sUAS, the Department recognizes that larger UAS systems will also play a role in meeting its mission. The Department anticipates meeting long-duration or specialized acquisition commitments, such as state or national aerial photography, by collaboration with other agencies or through commercial contracts. Even though the DOI continues to evaluate UAS and sensor technology to meet the Department’s mission, some of its bureaus are already moving towards an operational capability. The authors fully anticipate that by 2020 UAS will emerge as one of the primary platforms for DOI remote sensing applications.

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing↗