Investigation of remote sensing techniques as inputs to operational resource management models

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Summary: Remote sensing soil moisture research

During the 1969 and 1970 growing seasons research was conducted to investigate the relationship between remote sensing imagery and soil moisture. The research was accomplished under two completely different conditions: (1) cultivated cropland in east central South Dakota, and (2) rangeland in western South Dakota. Aerial and ground truth data are being studied and correlated in order to evaluate the moisture supply and water use. Results show that remote sensing is a feasible method for monitoring soil moisture

Aerial thermal scanner data for monitoring rooftop temperatures

Four Nebraska communities and one South Dakota community were surveyed. Thermal scanner data were converted to a film format and the resultant imagery was successfully employed to monitor rooftop temperatures. The program places emphasis on heat losses resulting from inadequate home insulation, offers CENGAS customers the opportunity to observe a thermogram of their rooftop, and assists homeowners in evaluating insulation needs

Investigation of remote sensing techniques as inputs to operational resource management

The author has identified the following significant results. Visual interpretation of 1:125,000 color LANDSAT prints produced timely level 1 maps of accuracies in excess of 80% for agricultural land identification. Accurate classification of agricultural land via digital analysis of LANDSAT CCT's required precise timing of the date of data collection with mid to late June optimum for western South Dakota. The LANDSAT repetitive nine day cycle over the state allowed the surface areas of stockdams and small reservoir systems to be monitored to provide a timely approximation of surface water conditions on the range. Combined use of DIRS, K-class, and LANDSAT CCT's demonstrated the ability to produce aspen maps of greater detail and timeliness than was available using US Forest Service maps. Visual temporal analyses of LANDSAT imagery improved highway map drainage information and were used to prepare a seven county drainage network. An optimum map of flood-prone areas was developed, utilizing high altitude aerial photography and USGS maps

Investigation of remote sensing techniques as inputs to operational resource management models

The author has identified the following significant results. Successful operational applications of LANDSAT data were found for level 1 land use mapping, drainage network delineation, and aspen mapping. Visual LANDSAT interpretation using 1:125,000 color composite imagery was the least expensive method of obtaining timely level 1 land use data. With an average agricultural/rangeland interpretation accuracy in excess of 80%, such a data source was considered the most cost effective of those sources available to state agencies. Costs do not compare favorably with those incurred using the present method of extracting land use data from historical tabular summaries. The cost increase in advancing from the present procedure to a satellite-based data source was justified in terms of expanded data content

Investigation of a Linear Model to Describe Hydrologic Phenomenon of Drainage Basins

This investigation is concerned with the applicability of the linear convolution relationship for approximating the rainfall-runoff phenomenon for small drainage basins. A solution for the transfer function of the convolution relationship is obtained by employing discrete mathematics similar to the Wiener-Hopf equation. The solution is obtained, based on the restraints of the physical system by linear programming. In this investigation, the hydrologic system is analyzed as a truly linear system. Recorded rainfall intensity is the input of the system, and recorded runoff output. A major concern of the study involves the effects of antecedent moisture conditions on the transfer function. Two basins are used to test the model -- an urban basin located within the city limits of Bryan, Texas and a rural basin approximately three miles east of Bryan, Texas. Results are presented which substantiate the use of the proposed linear model as an approximation to the hydrologic system. Generalized transfer functions are developed for each basin and tested with independent events. Antecedent moisture conditions are shown to have a definite predictable effect on the transfer function, and rainfall events are classified with an antecedent moisture condition criteria in order to select the proper transfer function for the event

Application of remote sensing technology in South Dakota to assess wildlife habitat change, describe meandering lakes, improve agricultural censusing, map Aspen, and quantify cell selection criteria for spatial data

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Evaluation of Resource Use and Economic Effects Due to Irrigation Water Availiability in Texas

The State of Texas has been actively developing a State Water Plan which is to become a basic guide for water development in Texas through the year 2020. The availability of water to agriculture in the future and its effect on the Texas economy is of utmost importance to Texans. Potential agricultural resource requirements are dependent on numerous and diverse factors. Some of these factors are known and measurable such as the water needs of growing plants. Other factors are unknown and remain subject to conjecture. Future agricultural price and production control programs are unknown and can only be hypothesized. These factors and others are important to water requirements of agriculture and must be dealt with by measurement or estimation. This research was initiated to develop meaningful projections of agricultural water requirements which would be useful in planning for water resource development. Five different models of agricultural resource requirements and production were analyzed. Each model contains: (1) restrictions on production and marketing of products, (2) assumptions relative to resource availability and use, and (3) estimates of output with the specified use of resources. These models illustrate to the water resource planner the potential of Texas agriculture to produce food and fiber as well as the effects of various restrictions on production. These restrictions include some factors which cannot be controlled, such as market limitations. The models include various assumptions concerning water supply for agriculture and the effects of these assumptions are evident in the results of the analysis. The results of these models present to the water resource planner the effect on Texas agriculture of alternative allocations of water to agriculture. The procedures and computer programs developed can evaluate for the planner an infinite number of alternatives. Comparison of alternative availability of water to agriculture provides a basis for evaluation of the economic benefit from the allocation of water to agriculture

Remote sensing applications to resource problems in South Dakota

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Remote sensing applications to resource problems in South Dakota

Cooperative projects between RSI and numerous South Dakota agencies have provided a means of incorporating remote sensing techniques into operational programs. Eight projects discussed in detail are: (1) detection of high moisture zones near interstate 90; (2) thermal infrared census of Canada geese in South Dakota; (3) dutch elm disease detection in urban environment; (4) a feasibility study for monitoring effective precipitation in South Dakota using TIROS-N; (5) open and abandoned dump sites in Spink county; (6) the influence of soil reflectance on LANDSAT signatures of crops; (7) A model implementation program for Lake Herman watershed; and (8) the Six-Mile Creek investigation follow-on