Mapping Wetlands and Phragmites Using Publically Available Remotely Sensed Images

Abstract

Using publically available remotely sensed images to map wetlands and invasive plants is attractive to ecologists, environmental scientists, and managers. However, wetland and invasive plant mapping on the basis of no- or low-cost images has been challenged by the variability of mapping accuracy. In this paper, we are developing an innovative wetland and invasive plant mapping technique characterized with three integrations: the integration of image interpretation with feature extraction, the integration of high spatial-resolution images with high spectral-solution images, and the integration of field reference data with interpreted and classified images. This technique advocates standard procedures for integrating NAIP(National Agriculture Imagery Program) and Landsat images with multiple processes of ground truthing, image classification, and validation.The case study conducted in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge concludes that the integration of NAIP and Landsat images provides sufficient spatial and spectral information for mapping coastal wetlands and Phragmites.