High-Resolution Image Reconstruction from a Sequence of Rotated and Translated Frames and its Application to an Infrared Imaging System

Some imaging systems employ detector arrays that are not sufficiently dense to meet the Nyquist criterion during image acquisition. This is particularly true for many staring infrared imagers. Thus, the full resolution afforded by the optics is not being realized in such a system. This paper presents a technique for estimating a high-resolution image, with reduced aliasing, from a sequence of undersampled rotated and translationally shifted frames. Such an image sequence can be obtained if an imager is mounted on a moving platform, such as an aircraft. Several approaches to this type of problem have been proposed in the literature. Here we extend some of this previous work. In particular, we define an observation model that incorporates knowledge of the optical system and detector array. The high-resolution image estimate is formed by minimizing a regularized cost function based on the observation model. We show that with the proper choice of a tuning parameter, our algorithm exhibits robustness in the presence of noise. We consider both gradient descent and conjugate-gradient optimization procedures to minimize the cost function. Detailed experimental results are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm using digital video from an infrared imager

Landscape level modeling of the potential effect of groundwater-level declines on forested wetlands in the New Jersey Pinelands

The objective of the study was to apply empirically determined hydrology-vegetation models to develop geographic information system (GIS)-based landscape models for three study basins in the New Jersey Pinelands. The landscape models were used to assess the basin-wide distribution of wetland-indicator species and five vegetation types in response to changes in water level as estimated by the various groundwater pumping scenarios. For different groundwater withdrawal rates, "best case" and "worst case" well distribution configurations were implemented. The wetland- indicator modeling suggests that the area dominated by wetland species will decline in area with increased groundwater withdrawal due to the predicted drop in water table. The landscape modeling suggests that at the higher levels of groundwater withdrawal the decline of wetland area will be especially severe in the upper headwaters of the basins, and that there will be ‘retreat’ of existing wetlands to a narrower streamside corridor. In addition to the predicted decline in area of the various woody wetland vegetation community types, the landscape modeling also suggests that there will be a change in the broader landscape pattern with a simplification of the wetland mosaic with fewer patches.Introduction.... 4 Methods..........5 Results and Discussion...11 Conclusions.....24 References.......2

Infrared Image Registration and High-Resolution Reconstruction Using Multiple Translationally Shifted Aliased Video Frames

Forward looking infrared (FLIR) detector arrays generally produce spatially undersampled images because the FLIR arrays cannot be made dense enough to yield a sufficiently high spatial sampling frequency. Multi-frame techniques, such as microscanning, are an effective means of reducing aliasing and increasing resolution in images produced by staring imaging systems. These techniques involve interlacing a set of image frames that have been shifted with respect to each other during acquisition. The FLIR system is mounted on a moving platform, such as an aircraft, and the vibrations associated with the platform are used to generate the shifts. Since a fixed number of image frames is required, and the shifts are random, the acquired frames will not fall on a uniformly spaced grid. Furthermore, some of the acquired frames may have almost similar shifts thus making them unusable for high-resolution image reconstruction. In this paper, we utilize a gradient-based registration algorithm to estimate the shifts between the acquired frames and then use a weighted nearest-neighbor approach for placing the frames onto a uniform grid to form a final high-resolution image. Blurring by the detector and optics of the imaging system limits the increase in image resolution when microscanning is attempted at sub-pixel movements of less than half the detector width. We resolve this difficulty by the application of the Wiener filter, designed using the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the imaging system, to the high-resolution image. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique. The techniques proposed herein are significantly faster than alternate techniques, and are found to be especially suitable for real-time applications

A watershed-based wetland assessment method for the New Jersey Pinelands

Sustaining the long-term ecological integrity of Pine lands wetlands is the ultimate goal of the Pinelands Commission's wetland protection program. One technique used to accomplish this goal is the establishment of upland buffer zones based on an assessment of wetland quality and potential development-related impacts. We present a geographic information system (GIS) based watershed-level landscape approach for assessing watershed and wetland systems along ecological integrity and future potential impact gradients. Several GIS-based landscape indexes of wetland quality and impact are developed along with a drainage basin ranking system. Landscape indexes used to evaluate watershed integrity include developed and agricultural land cover, soils with a high potential for ground water contamination, surface water quality, major water supply withdrawals, and biological diversity. Future land use patterns, upland soils with high water tables, and watershed and wetland dimensions are used to evaluate potential impacts effecting the long-term sustainabiIity of these systems. A modified weighted factor procedure is used to rank drainage areas. Several policy options for establishing buffer distances based on the results of the watershed evaluation method are briefly discussed. For demonstration purposes, we present results obtained by applying the methodology in several Pine lands basins

The Role of Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal in Supporting Ocean Planning

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) was established in 2009 to enhance the vitality of the region's ocean ecosystem and economy. One of MARCO's first action items was the development of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal to serve as an on-line platform to engage stakeholders across the region with the objective of improving their understanding of how ocean resources and places are being used, managed, and conserved. A key component is the Marine Planner, an interactive map-based visualization and decision support tool. These types of on-line tools are becoming increasingly popular means of putting essential data and state-of-the-art visualization technology into the hands of the agencies, industry, community leaders, and stakeholders engaged in ocean planning. However, to be effective, the underlying geospatial data has to be seen as objective, comprehensive, up-to-date and regionally consistent. To meet this challenge, the portal utilizes a distributed network of web map services from credible and authoritative sources. Website analytics and feedback received during the review and comment period of the 2016 release of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan confirm that the Data Portal is viewed as integral to this ocean planning process by the MidAtlantic Regional Planning Body and key stakeholders. While not all stakeholders may agree with specific planning decisions, there is broad based agreement on the need for better data and making access to that data widely available