There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Brooks, R. L.

Pennewell, J. D.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

E 7.4- 1 0.1 60.
"Made avfable under NA$4 spnsrshpin nterest of early and- w ,ie d.
semination of Earth Resources SurveyProra information and without iabili THIRD QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORTfor any. use made thereof."
(8 September - 31 December 1973)
,74-10160): APPLICABILITY OF SKYLAB N74-141028
REMOTE SENSING FOR DETECTION AND
MONITORING OF SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES
Quarterly Progress (Wolf Research and Unclas
Development Corp ) 6 p HC $3 CPCCSCL 08I G_3/13 00160
APPLICABILITY OF SKYLAB
REMOTE SENSING FOR DETECTION AND
MONITORING OF SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES
SKYLAB EREP INVESTIGATION 9669
TECHNICAL MONITOR: Roger Hicks
Prepared by
R.L. BROOKS
J.D. PENNEWELL
WOLF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Pocomoke, Maryland 21851
28 December 1973
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740005915 2020-03-23T12:01:11+00:00Z
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION---------------------------------------------1
2.0 PROGRESS (8 September 1973 to 31 December 1973)------- 2
2.1 RECEIPT OF SL-2 IMAGERY-------------------------- 2
2.2 GROUND TRACK DATA FOR SL-3----------------------- 2
2.3 ERTS-3 SYMPOSIUM, WASHINGTON, D.C.---------------2
2.4 INFARED REQUIREMENTS FOR SL-4-------------------- 3
2.5 LARGE SCALE PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE----------------3
3.0 PROBLEMS----------------------------------------------3
3.1 SKYLAB DATA RECEIPT AND CONTRACT EXTENSION-------3
4.0 PLANS ------------------------------------------------- 3
4.1 OHIO TEST SITE VISIT----------------------------- 3
4.2 DATA REDUCTION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES-------------- 4
5.0 DISTRIBUTION------- ----------------------------------- 5
ii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The objective of this investigation is to evaluate EREP
imagery as a means of detecting and monitoring strip mines,
their effects, and reclamation activities. EREP S-190 A and
S-190 B imagery of a tri-state test area will be analyzed,
and some S-192 thermal imagery during a night time pass is
desired in hopes of detecting acid waste waters whose temper-
atures might exceed those of the surrounding environment.
Initially, the investigation will consist of a census of
active and inactive strip mines along with estimates of dis-
turbed and reclaimed acreage. Notable damage to the environ-
ment will also be included.
The primary test site (816556) extends from latitude
39 0 00'N to 400 30'N, and longitude 80° 0 0'W to 830 00'W; and
encompasses portions of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
The alternate test site (816557) extends from latitude
370 00'N to 39 0 00'N, and longitude 860 00'W to 89 000'W; and en-
compasses portions of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.
1
2.0 PROGRESS
2.1 RECEIPT OF SKYLAB-2 IMAGERY
Skylab-2 data photography was received on November
21, 1973. The 9-inch transparencies consist of:
Roll No. 12 frames 135-146
11 frames 236-249
10 frames 143-154, 252-265
09 frames 143-154, 252-265
08 frames 135-146, 236-249
07 frames 135-146
81 frames 188-200, 334, 347
70-mm duplicate transparencies of the above were re-
ceived on December 10, 1973.
Review and plots of the ground track of the data
imagery indicates that the coverage area is westward of
the primary test site where the majority of mining
activity reports and surface information have been col-
lected.
2.2 GROUND TRACK DATA FOR SL-3
The ground tracks for SL-3 were received on Dec-
ember 7, 1973. This data has been plotted on large
scale charts of the test site areas. Imagery coverage
from SL-3 passes through the center of the primary test
area in which surface mining activity reports and sur-
veys have been concentrated. SL-3 imagery has not yet
been received.
2.3 ERTS-3 SYMPOSIUM, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Mr. Pennewell attended the ERTS-3 Symposium on
December 18-19, 1973 in Washington, D.C., to observe
progress and activities of ERTS investigators involved
with surface mining. A paper presented by the State of
2
Ohio personnel indicates that ERTS imagery coupled with
aircraft photography is being investigated as a poten-
tial tool to detect and monitor surface mining activities
and reclamation of stripped areas. Personnel at the
University of Michigan, in another paper, are utilizing
digital computer techniques for automated recognition
of surface mining activities from ERTS Digital Tapes.
2.4 INFRARED REQUIREMENTS FOR SL-4
A telephone conversation with NASA Houston re-
quested our requirements and justification for thermal
infrared data. The requested response was TWX-ed on
October 26, 1973.
2.5 LARGE SCALE PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
Dr. Jelacic of our staff contacted several major
coal companies and obtained several large scale photo-
graphic prints of surface mines in the Ohio region of
our test site. The prints taken at various dates offer
base-line data for indicating areal measurements of
disturbed surface areas and the geographical directional
movement of the mining operation.
3.0 PROBLEMS
3.1 SKYLAB DATA RECEIPT AND CONTRACT EXTENSION
Due to the 3-month delay in our receipt of SL-2
imagery, we are requesting a 3-month extension to our
contract.
4.0 PLANS
4.1 OHIO TEST SITE VISIT
Mr. Robert Verbosky of the Consolidated Coal
Company in Cadiz, Ohio has been contacted for our visiting
mining and reclamation operations in the southeastern
3
Ohio region. This visit has been scheduled about the
middle of January 1974.
4.2 DATA REDUCTION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Since SL-2 data coverage was outside of our prime
test area and SL-3 data coverage does go through the
center of our test area, limited activities will be
maintained until receipt of SL-3 data. Upon receipt of
SL-3 data efforts will be made to conform with the mile-
stone schedule as amended with the three month extension.
4


Applicability of Skylab remote sensing for detection and monitoring of surface mining activities

'1adl available undfer NASA sponsorship
in the interest of early and wide dis- E 7.4- 1 0 4 6
semination of Earth Resources Survey
Program information and without liability
for any use made thereof,"
FOURTH QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(1 January - 31 March 1974)
(0
APPLICABILITY OF SKYLAB
REMOTE SENSING FOR DETECTION AND
MONITORING OF SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES
SKYLAB EREP INVESTIGATION 9669 0
TECHNICAL MONITOR: Roger Hicks d
.0
.0
Prepared by
R.L. Brooks
J.D. Pennewell
I
WOLF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Pocomoke, Maryland 21851
April 1974
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740013877 2020-03-23T09:43:51+00:00Z
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------1
2.0 PROGRESS (1 January 1974 to 31 March 1974)----------2
2.1 SKYLAB 4 OVERPASS AND GROUND TRUTH-------------2
2.2 WEST VIRGINIA AND OHIO VISITATION---------------2
2.3 RECEIPT OF SKYLAB-3 IMAGERY---------------------4
3.0 PROBLEMS-------------------------------------------- 4
3.1 SKYLAB DATA RECEIPT AND CONTRACT EXTENSION-----4
4.0 PLANS-----------------------------------------------5
4.1 CHANGE OF PRIMARY TEST SITE-------------------- 5
5.0 DISTRIBUTION----------------------------------------6
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The objective of this investigation is to evaluate EREP
imagery as a means of detecting and monitoring strip mines,
their environmental effects, and reclamation activities.
EREP S-190A and S-190B imagery of a tri-state test area will
be analyzed, and some S-192 thermal imagery during a night
time pass is desired in hopes of detecting acid waste waters
whose temperatures might exceed those of the surrounding
environment.
Initially, the investigation will consist of a census of
active and inactive strip mines along with estimates of dis-
turbed and reclaimed acreage. Notable damage to the environ-
ment will also be included.
The primary test site (816556) extends from latitude
39 0 00'N to 40 0 30!N, and longitude 80 0 00'W to 830 00'W; and
encompasses portions of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
The alternate test site (816557) extends from latitude
370 00'N to 39 0 00'N, and longitude 86 0 00'W to 89 0 00'W; and en-
compasses portions of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.
-1-
2.0 PROGRESS
2.1 SKYLAB 4 OVERPASS AND GROUND TRUTH.
In paragraph 2.4 of the "Third Quarterly Report"
dated December 28, 1973 we reported on requesting and
justifying thermal infrared imagery data. NASA Houston
favored our request and we were given priority for data
acquisition on January 24, 1974. A Barnes Precision Rad-
iation Thermometer Model 5 (PRT-5) was borrowed from The
Department of Commerce to enable making ground thermal
measurements in situ with a Skylab 4 overpass. Major em-
phasis was to be placed on obtaining ground-truth thermal
samples of large plots of reclaimed vegetative canopies, water
masses, and barren soil areas. In addition to the PRT-5
we were supplied with contact temperature measuring devices,
sample containers for soils and water, photographiccameras,
charts, and position locating equipment.
Mr. R. Brooks and Mr. J.D. Pennewell made the trip
to West Virginia and contact was made with Mr. James Compton
of Grafton Coal Company.
Mr. Compton provided personnel and vehicles for
touring active surface mining activities and reclaimed
areas of various age brackets. He also made available trans-
portation and crew to aid us for the proposed pre-dawn
Skylab overpass. However, a weather frontal system moved
in and provided solid cloud cover over the entire area and
data acquisition was cancelled.
2.2 WEST VIRGINIA AND OHIO VISITATION
As reported in 2.1 Grafton Coal Company provided
extensive touring of mining areas. The same is true with
-2-
Consolidated Coal Company, Cadiz, Ohio. Mr. Robert Verbosky
provided time and transportation to tour the wide spread
facilities around Cadiz. It is apparent that large mining
companies strive to maximize reclamation of stripped lands
and place the upmost importance on public relations and com-
munity support. Reclamation has generated improved lands for
housing developments, recreation, shopping facilities, and
livestock support.
The Coal Research Bureau at West Virginia University
was helpful in providing background and current mining acti-
vity information and providing contact with Grafton Coal
Company.
It was observed that previously stripped areas per-
mitted to naturally reestablish vegetative cover were quite
dissimilar to those areas reclaimed quickly after mining.
During previous periods of time it was not required to re-
cover with top soil, monitor and/or maintain normal pH, nor
cultivate and fertilize. These areas have produced scrub
trees and sparce vegetative canopies.
More recently, legislation has required extensive
reclamation. These areas are recovered with top soil and
produce lush plant covering. Utilization of helicopters
for "hydroseeding" quickly establishes plant cover for pro-
tection against erosion. It was observed that a few areas
in West Virginia and Ohio had to have the land broken up by
a disc prior to hydroseeding. Grasses in these areas ap-
peared in rows and provided a strong contrast in texture to
the random patterns created without discing.
Within a reclaimed area these could be three dis-
tinctive vegetative patterns capable of being detected by
remote sensing technology. These are the natural reestablished
-3-
cover consisting of scrub growth, the row grasses caused by
discing, and the random texture pattern.
2.3 RECEIPT OF SKYLAB-3 IMAGERY
Skylab-3 S190A photography was received on
January 14, 1974. The 70-mm transparencies consist of:
Mag. 25 frames 017-026
26 017-026
27 017-026
28 017-026
29 017-026
30 017-026
Mag. 37 frames 308-313
38 308-313
39 308-313
40 308-313
41 308-313
42 308-313
Mag. 43 frames 263-267
Ground track of the SL-3 data frames indicate that
several frames were acquired within our primary test site
area. Review of the data and 36X enlargements of the 70-mm
frames on a.n Itek Rear Screen Projection Viewer reveal that
excessive cloud cover exists on these frames. The 36X
magnification indicates 
-that-be.tween the .approximately
50-60 percent cloud cover and the resulting ground shadows
cast by these clouds that meaningful interpretation and
analysis cannot be accomplished on this data.
3.0 PROBLEMS
3.1. SKYLAB DATA RECEIPT AND CONTRACT EXTENSION
This office has not received the ground track
and data coverage of SL-4. Preliminary information via
-4-
telephone conversations with NASA Houston indicate that
photographic coverage of our primary test site area is pro-
bably not useful for our analysis. This data is anticipated
to be received shorthly. However, it is becomming in-
creasingly apparent that SL-2, SL-3, and SL-4 imagery data
acquired within our primary test site area is not adequate
for meaningful analysis. Therefore, we anticipate being
forced to chose our secondary area site for data analysis
and application to surface mining activities. Before this
can be accomplished we do need receipt of SL-4 ground track
and photographic coverage publications. Selection of another
primary test site will necessitate additional effort and a
time extension.
4.0 PLANS
4.1 CHANGE OF PRIMARY TEST SITE
After receipt of SL-4 publications of ground track
and photographic coverage, efforts will be expended in sel-
ection of another primary test site from our secondary area.
The SL-4 coverage will be plotted on our charts with SL-2
and SL-3 coverage. The area selected will reflect repetitive
coverage from SL-2, 3, and 4.
-5-


7 -. 4 . 0.5 7. Z
FIFTH QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(1 April - 30 June 1974) ,
the interest of ealy and Wide dis-
.semiratin Of Eatth esdures Survey
0Pogram information and withoui iabdit
o E fr eny use mader ta
, TEHAPPLICABI LITY OF SKYL.B
OR 0
REMOTE SENSING FOR DETECTION AND
, MONITORING OF SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES
H
HP O
-.TEH A R.. Brooks
> c
-r -4
WOLF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Pocomoke, Maryland 21851
July 1974
S0
L V) H rA1 m
0 0)
Pocomoke, Maryland 21851
July 1974
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740020703 2020-03-23T06:00:29+00:00Z
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION--------------------------------------1
2.0 PROGRESS (1 April 1974 to 30 June 1974) ----------- 2
3.0 PROBLEMS ------------------------------------------ 2
4.0 PLANS--------------------------------------------- 2
5.0 DISTRIBUTION-------------------------------------- 3
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The objective of this investigation is to evaluate EREP
imagery as a means of detecting and monitoring strip mines,
their environmental effects, and reclamation activities.
EREP S-190A and S-190B imagery of a tri-state test area will
be analyzed, and some S-192 thermal imagery during a night
time pass is desired in hopes of detecting acid waste waters
whose temperatures might exceed those of the surrounding
environment.
Initially, the investigation will consist of a census of
active and inactive strip mines along with estimates of dis-
turbed and reclaimed acreage. Notable damage to the environ-
ment will also be included.
The primary test site (8.16556) extends from latitude.
39 0 00'N to 40 0 30'N, and longitude 80 0 0'1 to 830 00'W; and
encompasses portions of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
The alternate test site (816557) extends from latitude
37 00'N to 39 000'N, and longitude 86 0 00'W to 800 00'W; and en-
compasses portions of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.
-1.-
2.0 PROGRESS
A minimum of effort was expended during this report-
ing period because:
a) SL-2 and SL-3 imagery received of the primary
test area were degraded by haze and cloud
coverage, and are not suitable for our invest-
igation.
b) SL-4 imagery of the test area was not received
during this reporting period. Preliminary in-
dications from Mr. Dale Brown at JSC are that
the SL-4 data of our primary test area are, at
best, marginal.
3.0 PROBLEMS
The lack of adequate image quality within the primary
test area requires the selection of a secondary test site
for investigation. This will necessitate some additional
ground-truth effort and a potential time extension of the
contract.
4.0 PLANS
Mr. Pennewell of the Wolf Team will attend the con-
ference at the L.B. Johnson Space Center during July 16,
17, & 18. He will review imagery of the secondary test
site area and select the new test site areas based upon
data available. New schedules and milestone plans will
be formulated and submitted.
-2-


Applicability of Skylab remote sensing for detection and monitoring of surface mining activities

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server

NASA Technical Reports Server

NASA Technical Reports Server