Airborne Video Research Articles

Airborne video systems for real‐time assessment of rangelands

Abstract The expanse and inaccessibility of rangelands make them difficult to assess with conventional ground surveys. This paper illustrates the application of a relatively new technology, that of airborne video systems, for managing rangelands. Video imagery has been used to detect or distinguish among a variety of rangeland variables such as plant communities and species, drought stress, burned areas, grazing intensity, phytomass production, and rodent and insect infestations. Presently video does not have the detailed resolution of film, but it can provide range managers with immediately available, inexpensive remote sensing data that can be useful in managing their resource.

Airborne video systems for agricultural assessment

Remote sensing data has not been used to its fullest potential for management of natural resources largely because these data are not readily available. Video remote sensing has been proposed as an alternative to provide near-real-time information about natural resources. This paper reviews the status and development of airborne video imaging systems and their application for resource management, with special emphasis on agriculture. Video imagery has been used to detect or assess a variety of agricultural variables such as plant species, chlorosis, grass phytomass levels, cotton and alfalfa root rot infestations, wind erosion, soil moisture and irrigated crops, soil drainage and salinity, and insect pests. The digitization and computer processing of video imagery has also been demonstrated. Presently video does not have the detailed resolution of film, but it can provide farm managers with immediately available remote sensing data that can allow them to make quick decisions concerning their operations.

The Input of Geomorphology to Oil-related Developments in Shetland and Northeast Scotland

In essence, the input of coastal geomorphology to most oil-related developments at the coastline has been descriptive environmental classification. The uses to which this information has been put are twofold: (1) as background reconnaissance data that are prepared in advance of a development, such as the exploitation of a nearshore drilling lease or a pipeline landfall, and (2) as a basic element in oil spill contingency mapping. A more specialized use of geomorphology has been environmental management advice relating to the construction, restoration, and operation of large-diameter oil and gas pipeline landfalls - all of which make their approach in Northeast Scotland through beach and dune complexes. The techniques consist of traditional morphological mapping considering form, aspect, materials, energy, and estimations of contemporary processes. Implicit in this mapping is the recognition of vulnerability which, in turn, relates closely to habitat recognition. Time is rarely available for process-type measurements. There is also a dependence on existing maps, aerial photographs, and reports. The survey may be done on foot, from boats, fixed-wing aircraft, or helicopters. Airborne video is increasingly being used as a supplementary means of data acquisition. Vertical airborne video used with an image-processing and G.I.S. system shows great potential and more » has been used experimentally for pipeline route selection. « less

Remote Sensing Technology for Rangeland Management Applications

The future of rangeland resources development and management is dependent upon increased scientific capability. Remote sensing technology can contribute information for a variety of rangeland resource management applications. In future we can expect to see an increased number of professional range managers with expertise in remote sensing. This training will include, in addition to principles of aerial photo interpretation, digital image analysis technology, increased use of geographic information systems, airborne video remote sensing, and the use of newly developing high resolution systems. The data will be obtained from both aircraft and spacecraft. Applications will include inventory, evaluation, and monitoring of rangeland resources and the incorporation of remote sensing data to support and improve the decision processes on the use, development, and management of rangeland

Airborne Video Digital Data for Resource Analysis and Management in the Northeast

Abstract Airborne video data in digital form provides an inexpensive alternative to aerial photography to provide up-to-date information on the size, kinds, and distribution of forest types. Its capability to be incorporated into a geographic information system can augment the value of information produced during analysis. In Maine, Landmark Applied Technologies has developed and is using a system which includes acquiring the video imagery, extracting scenes in digital form, analyzing these data, and incorporating them into an Intergraph GIS to provide a mechanism for rapid updating of spatial data bases. North. J. Appl. For. 5:117-120, June 1988.

Assessment of grassland phytomass with airborne video imagery

Airborne video imagery was evaluated for assessing phytomass production within grass plots fertilized with five rates of nitrogen. Video imagery was taken with two black-and-white video cameras—one visible light and the other visible/near-infrared light sensitive. Red (0.644–0.656-μm) and infrared (0.815–0.827-μm) narrowband filters were used with the visible and visible/near-infrared light sensitive cameras, respectively. Hand-held red and infrared radiometric reflectance and phytomass measurements were made on the day that imagery was obtained. Red and infrared digital video data were obtained from the plots using an image processor. The plots were studied on two dates: 15 April and 22 May 1985. On 15 April, three phytomass levels could be distinguished within the infrared video image. Moreover, a infrared/red ratio video composite produced on an image processor enhanced differences among nitrogen treatments to the extent that generally four levels of phytomass could be identified. Coefficients of determination ( r 2), obtained by regressing red, infrared, and infrared/red reflectance, and red, infrared, and infrared/red digital video data on phytomass measurements were significant statistically. Imagery acquired on 22 May, however, showed few differences among treatments. This may have been caused by plant phenological and canopy architectural differences among the grass species. Nevertheless, video imagery should be a useful tool to assess phytomass production on rangelands when grasses are actively growing.

Timber Typing with Airborne Video Tapes

Timber Typing with Airborne Video Tapes

Computer processing of visual records from the Thorney Island large scale gas trials

Digital image processing of the airborne video record of trials Nos. 007, 008 and 014 of the Thorney Island trials were performed. Comparisons were made with previous processing reported at this Symposium and a good agreement was observed. The processing was extended to the determination of the motion of the cloud edges.