The author has identified the following significant results. The vegetation map in preparation at the time of the last report was refined and labeled. This map is presented as an indication of the spatial and classificatory detail possible from interpretations of enlarged ERTS-1 color photographs. Using this map, areas covered by the several vegetation types characterized by white spruce were determined by planimetry. A 1:63,360 scale land use map of the Juneau area was drawn. This map incorporates the land use classification system now under development by the U.S. Geological Survey. The ERTS-1 images used in making the Juneau map were used to determine changes in surface area of the terminal zones of advancing and receding glaciers, the Taku, Norris, and Mendenhall. A new 1:63,360 scale land use map of the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest and vicinity was drawn. Several excellent new sciences of test areas were received from NASA in color-infrared transparency format. These are being used for making photographic prints for analysis and mapping according to procedures outlined in this report

Anderson, J. H.

English

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

NASA Technical Reports Server

Identification, definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

:WN NA bMl kBeer NASA .speam
"n the  Initert of early and wige is-
oi:tEmlion of bth Reafrfes SWoq
'FIRST BI-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT Program nootftizo and withbwIi iability'
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ' fot My U ma de thereof."
ERTS PROJECT 110-3
September 30, 1972 - /ILS
A. TITLE- OF INVESTIGATION: Identification, Definition and Mapping of
Terrestrial Ecosystems in Interior Alaska.
B. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson/U592
C. P:RdBLEMS IMPEDING INVESTIGATION: Project has not yet received any
ERTS or aircraft data from NASA.
D. PROGRESS REPORT:
1. Accomplishments during reporting period: Participation in two
NASA aircraft flights. Ground-truth data acquisition at Eagle
Summit test site.
2. Plans for next reporting period: Begin study of aircraft
photography and ERTS imagery. Analyse ground-truth, data.
E.' SIGNIGICANT RESULTS:' During the first reporting period.'no ERTS or
aircraft data were received for this project. Activities were limited
to airborne data acquisition and some preparation for anaiySis of data.
Therefore there are no significant scientific, practical or operational
results to report.
F. PUBLICATIONS: None during the period.
:G. RECOMMENDATIONS: None at this time.
H. CHANGES IN STANDING ORDER FORMS: No Changes.
I. ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTORS FORMS: No forms are submitted because no
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1.O U.T Ld I Clave teenll IeceIVEU, .·
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+. . .- A "'1- 1r ~ ~ AXC 
J .,DATA REQUEST FORMS: None.
((E72-10137) IDENTIFICATION DEFINITION AND N72-32385
IMAPPING OF TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS IN
!INTERIOR ALASKA Bimonthly Progress Report
'J.H. Anderson (Alaska Univ., College.) Unclas
130 Sep. _ 1972 2 _____ ____CSCL 08 G3/ 13 _0 13U 7 _...
., 
::': 
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19720024735 2020-03-23T10:12:11+00:00Z
·FIRST BI-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT'
UNIVERSITY OF, ALASKA
ERTS PROJECT 110-3'
September.30, 1972
PRINCIPAL' INVESTIGATOR: I. H. Anderson U592
TITLE OF INVESTIGATION: Identification, definition and'-mapplngjo
terrestrial. ecosystems in interior Alaska."
f.
DISCIPLINE: '. Environment
SUBDISCIPLINE: Vegetation analysis, mapping and phenology.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT RESULTS: During the first reporting period no
ERTS or aircraft data were received for this project. Activities were lim'ited
to airborne da~ta, acquisition,and some' preparation for analysis of' data.
Therefore there are no significant scientific, practical or operational
results to report.
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Identification definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. A reconstituted color infrared image covering the western Seward Peninsula was used for identifying vegetation types by simple visual examination. The image was taken by ERTS-1 approximately 1120 hours on August 1, 1972. Seven major colors were identified. Four of these were matched with four units on existing vegetation maps: bright red - shrub thicket; light gray-red - upland tundra; medium gray-red - coastal wet tundra; gray - alpine barrens. In the bright red color, two phases, violet and orange, were recognized and tentatively ascribed to differences in species composition in the shrub thicket type. The three colors which had no map unit equivalents were interpreted as follows: pink - grassland tundra; dark gray-red - burn scars; light orange-red - senescent vegetation. It was concluded that the image provides a considerable amount of information regarding the distribution of vegetation types, even at so simple a leval of analysis. It was also concluded that sequential imagery of this type could provide useful information on vegetation fires and phenologic events

V/7/5 ,/K2'o)C
SECOND BI-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ERTS PROJECT NO. 110-3
November 30, 1972
E7.2- 1 0. 3.4 3.
tuade avaffabre under NASA Spnsorsug
in the interest of early and wie dis.
semination of Ea Resource S u rvey
Program informnatton and without liability
for any an Made tmereoS.- 
A. TITLE OF INVESTIGATION: Identification, definition and mapping
of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska
B. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson/UN.592
C. PROBLEMS IMPEDING INVESTIGATION: The color additive viewer
and the digital color display unit were not yet ready for use.
However, it is unlikely that this seriously impeded the investi-
gation because of the amount of simple visual examination of
the black-and white prints which had to be done during the
__ ~reporting period.
Many of the scenes have so much cloud cover that they may be of
little use. Several of the photographic prints are too-dense
I > X for examination.
I en
U o PROGRESS REPORT:
1. Accomplishments during reporting period:
a. A reconstituted color infrared image of the western
X9 ~Seward Peninsula was used for identification of
vegetation types and related phenomena. A report
dealing with this study was written.
FR 4 ~b. Six scenes in interior Alaska were selected for in-
HM o tensive study:
E-4M 
.H PqW U * 4
im & > i. NASA ERTS E-1029-20381-4, -5, -6 and -7. August
hk >. z U 21. This scene has less-ijhan five percent cloud
o o cover and includes the Yukon Flats, Yukon River,
u W 0 aYukon-Tanana Upland, the Eagle Summit sub-arctic
z X alpine tundra research area and parts of the
OH. ;r O L Steese Highway.
Ea ¢Hc ,~ ""'C'
VP t r~ ii. NASA ERTS E-1030-20435-4, -5, -6'-and -7. AugustH)0 M I Po a 0 22. This scene provides similar coverage to the
~H.H, ~ above and will be studied in: conjunction with it.
:> A= : t Emphasis will be on the Eagle Summ X research area.
] a < t z iii. NASA ERTS E-1033-21011-4, -5, -6. ad -7. August
a *25. Only about 30 percent of this scene is
'Z . cloud-free, but the cloud-free area includes the
, ~- _Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest test area and
o O v o other relatively accessible terrain,~'i;ncluding
MO W- c) cultivated areas, immediately west of Fairbanks.
Prq 0 Jr-To date it is the best scene of this ma test
Poz~wo area, r oduced by
_' H U t area/NATIONAL TE
INFORMATION SCE.25 US Depa.rm.nt of Commerce
S~pringfield VA. 22151
/ https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730005604 2020-03-23T05:29:33+00:00Z
2iv. NASA ERTS E-1102-20443-4, -5, -6 and -7.
November 2. This scene is entirely cloud-free
and includes the Eagle Summit research area.
v. NASA ERTS E-1103-20502-4, -5, -6 and -7.
November 3. This scene is cloud-free and includes
both the Bonanza Creek and Eagle Summit test areas.
It may be useful for the study of snow distribution
and the appearance of forest and shrub vegetation
through a snow cover.
vi. NASA ERTS E-1105-21015-4, -5, -6 and -7.
November 5. This scene is cloud free and includes
the Bonanqa Creek Experimental Forest. Other
interesting features are large segments of the
Yukon and Tanana Rivers and the Minto Flats.
c. Some study of aerial photography
d. Request for NASA aircraft support in spring, 1973
submitted.
2. Plans for next reporting period:
a. Further cataloging and study of aerial photography,
particularly with a newly arrived stereoscope.
b. Visual examination of the scenes listed above, in black
and white and reconstituted color infrared. Analysis
with the color additive viewer when this is available.
c. An order for imagery obtained prior to August 1 and
for color transparencies of the images listed above will
be submitted.
E. SIGNIFICANT RESULTS:
A reconstituted color infrared image covering the western Seward
Peninsula was used for identifying vegetation types by simple
visual examination. The image is NASA ERTS E-1009-22095, taken
approximately 1120 hours on August 1, 1972.
Seven major colors were identified. Four of these were
matched with four units on existing vegetation maps: Bright
red - shrub thicket; light gray-red - upland tundra; medium
gray-red - coastal wet tundra; gray - alpine barrens. In the
bright red color, two phases, violet and orange, were recognized
and tentatively ascribed to differences in species composition in
the shrub thicket type. The three colors which had no map unit
equivalents were interpreted as follows: Pink - grassland tundra;
dark gray-red - burn scars; light orange-red - senescent vegeta-
tion.
It is concluded that the image provides a considerable amount
3of information regarding the distribution of vegetation types,
even at so simple a level of analysis. It is also concluded that
sequential imagery of this type could provide useful information
on vegetation fires and phenologic events.
A paper dealing with this work is available from the Institute
of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska.
F. PUBLICATIONS: None
G. RECOMMENDATIONS: None
H. CHANGES IN. STANDING ORDER FORMS: None
I. ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTORS FORMS: One is submitted.
J. DATA REQUEST FORMS: None
qI
SECOND BI-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ERTS PROJECT NO. 110-3
November 30, 1972
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson/UN 592
TITLE OF INVESTIGATION- Identification, definition and mapping of
terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska
DISCIPLINE: Environment
SUBDISCIPLINE: Other: Vegetation analysis, mapping and phenology
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT RESULTS:
A reconstituted color infrared image covering the western
Seward Peninsula was used for identifying vegetation types
by simple visual examination. The image is NASA ERTS E-1009-
22095, taken approximately 1120 hours on August 1, 1972.
Seven major colors were identified. Four of these were matched
with four units on existing vegetation maps: Bright red -
shrub thicket; light gray-red - upland tundra; medium gray-
red - coastal wet tundra; gray - alpine barrens. In the bright
red color, two phases, violet and orange, were recognized and
tentatively ascribed to differences in species composition in
the shrub thicket type. The three colors which had no map unit
equivalents were interpreted as follows: Pink - grassland tundra;
dark gray-red - burn-scars; light orange-red - senescent vegeta-
tion.
It isAconcluded that the image provides a considerable amount of
information regarding the distribution of vegetation types, even
at so simple a level of analysis. It is also concluded that se-
quential imagery of this type could provide useful information
on vegetation fires and phenologic events.
:5"
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORM
(See Instructions on Back).
DATE November 30, 1972
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR J3. H. Anderson
GSFC UN592f SFC
ORGANIZATION University of Alaska
PRODUCT ID FREQUENTLY USED DESCRIPTORS *
(INCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT) - DESCRIPTORS
1029-20381 M - Aerial imagery used
1030-20435 M Braided stream
1033-21011 M Brush
1102-20443 M Conifer
1103-20502 M . Deciduous
1105-21015 M Forest
Ground truth used
'.~ .:~~ .Hardwood forest
Highway
Lake
Mature vegetation
Meander
Muskeg
River
. ~. .Timberline
. . Tundra
Urban area
Vegetation
e-~~ . ..* These apply to all
scenes listed.
FOR DESCRIPTORS WHICH WILL OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WRITE THE DESCRIPTOR TERMS IN THESE
COLUMN HEADING SPACES NOW AND USE A CHECK (-/) MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE PRODUCT
ID LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS, WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO ERTS USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
* NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-5406
(SFC 37-2 (7/72)
NDPF USE ONLY
D
N
ID
I


The author has identified the following significant results. A transect of the Tanana River Flats to Murphy Dome, Alaska was accomplished. The transect includes an experimental forest and information on the range of vegetation-land form types. Multispectral black and white prints of the Eagle Summit Research Area, Alaska, were studied in conjunction with aerial photography and field notes to determine the characteristics of the vegetation. Black and white MSS prints were compared with aerial photographs of the village of Wiseman, Alaska. No positive identifications could be made without reference to aerial photographs or ground truth data. Color coded density slice scenes of the Eagle Summit Research Area were produced from black and white NASA aerial photographs. Infestations of the spruce beetle in the Cook Inlet, Alaska, were studied using aerial photographs

"Made availae WndEr P'l sp5saesP
in the interest of ber;y a:,4 wide dis-
semination of Earth Resources Survey
Program information and without liability
for any use made thereof."
E7.3 1 O.3 9 
C, .- /1 3 5-
FOURTH BI-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ERTS PROJECT 110-3
March 31, 1973
A. TITLE OF INVESTIGATION: Identification, definition and
mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska
B. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson
C. PROBLEMS IMPEDING INVESTIGATION:
1. Digital color display unit not yet available
2. Simulated color-infrared scenes (Product Type B) for two
test areas ordered on January 7 from NASA not yet available
D. PROGRESS REPORT:
jIo tI]
=:)
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o
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loi. U)-
|-  _, ra} - l
_ a;EO G 
I O F4HP
Accomplishments during reporting period
a. ERTS photographic imagery for three intensive training
sites and color-key imageLfor one of these studied;
NASA-Houston aerial photography and field notes used
for ground truth
b. Enlargements in simulated color-infrared of two of
these sites ordered from Project 110-1 (to be used
for further interpretation and for mapping). These
products, ordered March 15, to be available by
April 2.
i. 1033-21011 (including test area no. 5): South-
eastern quarter of scene to be enlarged to scale
of 1:250,000. Primary interest in transect from
Tanana River Flats to Murphy Dome, including
Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest.
ii. 1029-20381 (including test area no. 6): Whole
scene to be enlarged to 1:500,000. Primary
interest in Eagle Summit Research Area, which may
later be enlarged further for mapping.
c. These two scenes also ordered from NASA for comparative
purposes.
d. Study of color coded density slice displays of Eagle
Summit area made from black and white aerial photographs
e. Meeting with Project 110-2 personnel (McKendrick, Branton,
Scorup) to compare and discuss research results and to
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730011634 2020-03-23T03:02:24+00:00Z
2discuss vegetation classification and mapping
techniques. This investigator proposed that the
Fosberg vegetation classification be considered
for use in Alaska (Reference: Fosberg, F. R.
1961. A classification of vegetation for general
purposes. Tropical Ecology 2: 1-28.) The need
for continuing close interaction between Projects l}: ,,,:i !
110-2 and 110-3 was reaffirmed.
f. Arrangements made for working meetings with Pro-
ject 110-2 personnel and Dr. S. Rieger, State Soil
Scientist, for study of vegetation-soil relation-
ships using ERTS imagery; first meeting to be
mid-April, with several additional meetings
thereafter.
g. Meeting of U of A ERTS investigators with partici-
pants in recent ERTS Symposium (Miller, Gedney,
Wright) to learn about and discuss symposium acti-
vities. Also, discussion with U of A ERTS
computer systems and program specialist (Porter)
regarding recent trip to see progress on assembly
of digital CDU at Interpretation Systems, Inc., in
Kansas,
h. Presentation by this investigator of illustrated
lecture on-ERTS program, particularly Project
110-3, to non-ERTS U of A audience,.
2. Plans for next reporting period
a. Study of color-infrared enlarged prints covering
three test areas
b. Study of enhanced and enlarged black and white
prints of these areas
c. Development of classification of vegetation compati-
ble with the level of vegetation information provided
by ERTS products, these classes to serve primarily
as mapping units
d. Preparation of vegetation maps of these areas by
tracing on acetate overlays of selected products
e. Finalization of summer field site visitation
schedule for ground truth
f. At least one working meeting with Project 110-2
and soil scientist
3g. Examination, screening, etc. of 1973 ERTS imagery.
Search for suitably cloud-free images covering test
areas for which such imagery not yet available
h. Learn use of digital CDU and examine CRT displays
from tapes of the three intensive training sites
now under study
i. Continued work on Cook Inlet area spruce beetle
infestation study (expected to be finished in the
near future)
4E. SIGNIFICANT RESULTS:
1. Tanana River Flats to Murphy Dome transect
This is an intensive training site within test area no. 5, the
Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest-Fairbanks area. The transect includes
the experimental forest. It contains a broad range of vegetation-land-
form types and probably is representative of the general region.
Standard NASA 9½-inch bulk black and white MSS prints in four
bands were examined closely, using a magnifying glass and strong
transmitted as well as incident light. The scene used was 1033-21011.
A color-key image was also studied. Both product types were compared
with the NASA-Houston aerial photography offtheftransect and first-
hand knowledge of the area.
The color-key image was found inferior to the black and white
prints in information content and interpretability. It seems that
this product type may not be feasible, although this will be tested
with a few additional color-key images for other areas.
The band 7 print provided the most vegetation information. Band
6 was nearly as useful, but bands 4 and 5 were of little use in
discerning vegetation types, although major roads and a railroad could
be seen on-these.
On the band 7 print, the most apparent distinction was between
spruce-dominated vegetation and all other types. The spruce vegetation
appeared dark, whereas the other types were gray to light gray. Spruce
stands as small as approximately 100 m in the shortest dimension were
easily distinguished. Other vegetation types could also be disting-
uishdd at about the same spatial level, although tonal contrasts were
more subtle. All major stands of vegetation appearing on the aerial
photographs could be discerned on the band 7 print. These included,
besides spruce forest, broad-leaved forest, treeless muskeg and bog
vegetation, muskeg with scattered spruce, vegetation wherein spruce
and broad-leaved species share dominance, shrub-dominated vegetation
and vegetation comprising herbaceous species, primarily at higher
elevations.
The tonal differences between some of these was slight, and
positive interpretations of units of a given tone could only be made
with reference to the aerial photographs. Tonal contrasts were so
subtle that a given tone, except for the densest (spruce forest) and
lightest (sparse alpine vegetation), could not be recognized in one
place as the same as in another. Therefore some form of image contrast
enhancement or density slicing, as an adjunct to what the eye alone can
do, may be necessary before vegetation identifications, except at the
coarser levels of distinction, can be extended over larger areas.
Because of the relatively large amount of vegetation information
available on the band 7 print, it is believed that a second print,
enlarged to an appropriate scale, might serve for mapping. Interpre-
tations could be facilitated by simulated color-infrared prints of
59½-inch, hence less expensive format, and by CRT displays.
This method of mapping, i.e. tracing on an acetate overlay,
could serve many purposes (see the NASA report A New Vegetation
Map of the Western Seward Peninsula, Alaska, by J. H. Anderson
and A. E. Belon), but it would not be as good as the use of a
zoom transfer scope. This is because the tracing method does not
permit image rectification and precise adjustment to given base
maps, such as.U.S. Geological Survey topographic sheets. Therefore
the present investigator, along with several U of A ERTS colleagues,
will continue to try to obtain funding for a zoom transfer scope as
the most desirable mapping instrument.
2. Eagle Summit Research Area
MSS black and white prints covering the Eagle Summit Research
Area were studied as above in conjunction with aerial photography
and field notes.
This area is characterized by treeless shrub and herbaceous
tundra vegetation types and areas of sparse vegetation on predomi-
nantly rocky surfaces. At lower elevations, in the vicinity of the
treeline, stands of shrub vegetation with scattered spruce trees
occur.
The band 5 print permitted the easiest distinctions between areas
of little or no vegetation and vegetated areas. Ridge crests and
high valley side slopes appeared light gray in contrast to the dark
grays at lower Elevations, which- predominate in the scene. On bands
6 and 7 this distinction is less apparent but may still be made. In
all bands the tonal contrast between vegetation containing some, or
dominated by spruce trees and other types of vegetation is slight com-
pared to the area examined in 1, above. Positive identifications of
spruce vegetation were not possible except by reference to the air
photos. This apparent lesser interpretability may be a result of
differences in processing between scenes 1029-20381 and 1033-21011.
This idea will be explored with the forthcoming color-infrared prints
of both scenes and black and white products prepared by Project 110-1.
A possible difficulty in vegetation interpretations in the Eagle
Summit area stems from the mountainous character of the terrain (and
thus may appear in many Alaslan scenes). Northeast, north and north-
west facing slopes receive sunlight at a considerably lower angle of
incidence than flat areas and more or less south-facing slopes. This
results in major differences in the spectral signatures, even though
the general vegetation types may be quite similar. There are, of
course, many floristic differences and often structural differences
between vegetation on north and south facing slopes. But the general
composition and physiognomy is the same in most cases, for given
elevations, and therefore is not necessarily distinguishable on ERTS
imagery. Because of the low sunlight angles on northerly slopes,
these generally appear of medium gray tone, compared to the light
medium to light grays of ridge crests and southerly slopes, even at
lower elevations. On bands 4 and 5, all tones are relatively darker.
6Some areas on northerly slopes are in actual shadow and appear
particularly dark in tone, even though it is known that no spruce
forest occurs here and that often sparse vegetation or rock out-
crops do, which would appear quite light under regular sun illumi-
nation. Of course these tonal differences are the primary character
of the image permitting the determination of topography. Nevertheless,
these differences appear greater than can be explained on the basis
of vegetation alone.
3. Wiseman area
The vicinity of the village of Wiseman was studied on ERTS
black and white MSS prints (1017-21115) and compared with aerial
photographs and the as yet unpublished results of vegetation studies
made in the area by this investigator. As in the Eagle Summit area,
tonal differences between vegetation types were very slight and no
positive identifications could be made without reference to the air
photos or ground truth data. It seems likely, however, that higher
contrast black and white prints of this area could be useful for
identification of vegetation types at a similar level as in the
Tanana River Flats-Murphy Dome transect. High contrast and enlarged
black and white prints of the Wiseman area and a color composite of
this area, about a three cm square portion from near the center of
the image, have been ordered from Project 110-1.
4. Color coded density slice scenes
Color coded density slice scenes were produced by Robert Porter
from black and white NASA aerial photographs of the Eagle Summit
area with§·the:image analyzer and CRT equipment of Interpretation
Systems, Inc., at Lawrence, Kansas. Several photographs of these
were studied by this investigator, but the colors were found to have
no relationship with the distribution of vegetation types in the area.
However, it is noted that this was only an experimental attempt, using
scenes prepared by a person with no particular knowledge of the vege-
tation-:of the area.
5. Study of spruce beetle damage in the Cook Inlet area
The spruce beetle study was continued during the reporting period
using photographs of CAV displays provided by F. P. Weber of the U.S.
Forest Service remote sensing laboratory at Berkeley. These photos
are of high quality and have comparatively good resolution; A col-
laborator in forest entomology, R. C. Beckwith of the Institute of
Northern Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, on this campus is studying
these at present.
7F. PUBLICATIONS:
Anderson, J. H., L. Shapiro and A. E. Belon. Vegetative and
geologic mapping of the western Seward Peninsula, Alaska,
based on ERTS-1 imagery. To be published in the Proceedings
of the NASA/GSFC ERTS Symposium, March 5-9, 1973.
G. RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
H. CHANGES IN STANDING ORDER FORMS:
None
I. ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTORS FORMS:
Since no further images have been selected for analysis since
the last reporting period, no descriptors are provided at this time.
J. DATA REQUEST FORMS:
One data request was submitted during the reporting period, dated
February 2, 1973. The data have not been received.
A data query was submitted, dated March 21, to obtain information
on the availability of imagery prior to August 1, 1972. There has
been no reply yet.
FOURTH BI-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ERTS PROJECT 110-3
March 31, 1973
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson
TITLE OF INVESTIGATION: Identification, definition and mapping
of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska
DISCIPLINE: Environment
SUBDISCIPLINE: Other: Vegetation analysis, mapping and phenology
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT RESULTS:
MSS hulk black and white prints covering a test area in interior
Alaska, the Tanana River Flats to Murphy Dome transect, were studied
and compared directly with NASA aerial photography. Six major vege-
tation types were identified on the band 7 print on the basis of
tonal differences; spruce forest, broad-leaved forest, treeless
muskeg and bog vegetation, muskegwith scattered spruce, mixed spruce-
broadSleaved forest, shrub dominated vegetation and vegetation com-
prising herbaceous species. Spruce forest vegetation occurring in
stands as small as approximately 100 m in the shortest dimension
could readily be identified. Tonal contrasts between the other vege-
tation types were mor4subtle, and it was not possible to be certain,
through visual examination alone, to be rta.in. that a given tonal
unit was the same as or different from one elsewhere. Therefore some
form of image enhancement may be necessary for extending interpreta-
tions to other areas. A black and white print of band 7, enlarged to
an appropriate scale, should be useful for vegetation mapping, par-
ticularly with the support of enhancement products for the same scene.
Band 6 had only slightly less information on vegetation, but bands 4
and 5 were of no value except perhaps for distinguishing vegetated
and non-vegetated areas.
A color-key image of this area was also studied, but was found
inferior to the black and white prints in vegetation information
content and interpretability.
Black and white imagery covering the Eagle Summit Research Area,
an intensive training site in ERTS test area no. 6, was studied.
Here, distinctions between vegetation types were less apparent, and
even known areas of spruce forest could not be clearly discerned,
even though this type should appear quite dark on band 6 and 7
products. Band 5 showed a clear distinction between non- and
sparsely vegetated areas, such as ridge crests, but no good dis-
tinctions within either of these. Band 4 was somewhat less inter-
pretable than band 5. It seems likely that a black and white image
2of band 7 with increased contrast could permit vegetation type
distinctions with at least the precision as in the area discussed
above.
Vegetation interpretations in the mountainous Eagle Summit
area were further inhibited by differences in spectral character-
istics on northerly and southerly slopes resulting from major dif-
ferences in angle of sun illumination. These differences are
believed in some cases considerably greater than could be accounted
for by vegetation differences alone, even if a print prepared for
maximum contrast between only slightly different spectral levels
were to be used.
Black and white prints for the Wiseman area were also studied
and compared with NASA aerial photography and field notes, but were
found to be no more informative than the Eagle Summit area scenes.
All three of these areas will be studied further using enhanced
black and white products, simulated color-infrared products and
digital data CRT displays. Vegetation mapping will be conducted
with a selected photographic product, enlarged to an appropriate
scale, with interpretations during the course of mapping supported
by reference to various enhanced or otherwise highly processed
products of the same scene.


The author has identified the following significant results. The primary objective is to identify and analyze vegetation types in as great of detail as possible on ERTS-1 imagery and to classify and delineate them through mapping. This is basic to the identification, definition, and mapping of ecosystems. Major conclusions are: (1) the ERTS-1 system is useful for regional scale studies of broadly defined Alaskan vegetation types; (2) the resolution and spectral capabilities of ERTS-1 MSS imagery in photographic formats is adequate for certain phytecenologic purposes; and (3) preparation of an improved State vegetation map will be feasible

The author has identified the following significant results. A reconstituted, simulated color-infrared print, enlarged to a scale of 1:250,000, was used to make a vegetation map of a 3,110 sq km area just west of Fairbanks, Alaska. Information was traced from the print which comprised the southeastern part of ERTS-1 scene 1033-21011. A 1:1,000,000 scale color-infrared transparency of this scene, obtained from NASA, was used along side the print as an aid in recognizing colors, color intensities and blends, and mosaics of different colors. Color units on the transparency and print were identified according to vegetation types using NASA air photos, U.S. Forest Service air photos, and experience of the investigator. Five more or less pure colors were identified and associated with vegetation types. These colors were designated according to their appearances on the print: (1) orange for forest vegetation dominated by broad-leaved trees: (2) gray for forest vegetation dominated by needle-leaved trees; (3) violet for scrub vegetation; (4) light violet denoting herbaceous tundra vegetation; and (5) dull violet for muskeg vegetation. This study has shown, through close examinations of the NASA transparency, that much more detailed vegetation landscape, or ecosystem maps could be produced, if only spectral signatures could be consistently and reliably recognized and transferred to a map of suitable scale

The author has identified the following significant results. Two new, as yet unfinished vegetation maps are presented. These tend further to substantiate the belief that ERTS-1 imagery is a valuable mapping tool. Newly selected scenes show that vegetation interpretations can be refined through use of non-growing season imagery, particularly through the different spectral characteristics of vegetation lacking foliage and through the effect of vegetation structure on apparent snow cover. Scenes now are available for all test area north of the Alaska Range except Mt. McKinley National Park. No support was obtained for the hypothesis that similar interband ratios, from two areas apparently different spectrally because of different sun angles, would indicate similar surface features. However, attempts to test this hypothesis have so far been casual

E7.3 - 1 1. 0.. 5
i af la5f ~er I spoorsonEVENT H BI0-'ONTHILY PROGRESS REPORT
in the interest of early and wide dis- U 'V S Y OF ALAS
ERTS-1 PROJECT 110-3
semination of Earth Resources Survey Septemb r 30, 11973
Program information and without liability
for any use made thereof."
TITLE OF INVESTIGATION: Identification, definition and mapping
of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson. UN 592
~ PRODLMS IMPEDING INVESTIGATION: None
m n PROGRESS REPORT:
1. Accomplishments during the reporting period:
a. A 1:63,360-scale vegetation mf@ of part of
test area no. 5 was drawn, using an enlargcment of part of
ERTS-1 scene 1033-21011. This map has yet to be labeled and
transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle of the
same scale. To illustrate this work, a part of the unfinished
c map is presented on the following page.
4 pb. A vegetation map at a scale of 1:1,000,000 was
H) 0V drawn for part of test area no. 5 and adjacent terrain, using
m" r the same scene. This map also is unf-inished, but a preliminary
z A version is presented on page 3.
.,1 tL ,M
,o ow c. Soveral new scenes were selected for study. At
O 0 least partial growing season coverage for all test areas north
= a of the Alaska Range except no. 4 is now available. These scenes
, are listed on the image descriptor forms.
Uo0M d. Digital data CDU scenes were examined for test
r- W 8 areas 5, 6 and 8.
H W4 r4
H W H
e. A small interhand ratio study involving sites in
a test area no. 6 was made using the CDU.
4 f. In a meeting with project 2 personnel, all
Ln 4-4 persons were brought up to date on the status of their ERTS
Sc activities.
N-0o 0
yHO O
Slm 2. Plans for the next reporting period:
The plans listed on page 16-17 of the recent semi-
annual report for this project pertain.
SIGNIFICANT RESULTS:
1. Results of the mapping efforts are presented on pages
2 and 3. It is emphasized that these maps are unfinished.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730023509 2020-03-23T01:09:24+00:00Z
/O--- ---- 2 I, ID
Unfinished 1:63360-scale vegetation map
of the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest
area, based on ERTS-1 scene 1033-21011.
0
n,,, o/
j~ yI
3Vegetation map of the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest and
vicinity at a scale of 1:1,000,000, based on ERTS-I scene
1033-21011. See text for vegetation unit designations.
Brief designations:
B Birch forest H Alpine tundraS Sp uce forest M Muskeg and bog
BS Birch-spruce forest SM Spruce muskeg
SB Spruce-birch forest -M3 Mluskeg with hardwoods
W Scrub MG Muskeg with graminoids
E3 __ S ~
~ / '
--\ U,
~j
*~ :- - ~
4Vegetation units recognized on the 1:1,000,00 scale map
are as follows:
B. = Birch forest, with aspen a secondary admixture in
many places and a dominant species on a few sites
S = Spruce forest; mostly white spruce, but with black
spruce a secondary to major admixture in many places
and a dominant in some places
BS = Birch-spruce forest; mosaics of stands of birch and
spruce forest and mixedwood forests, where birch is
more important areally
SB = Spruce-birch forest; same, but with spruce the more
important areally
W = Scrub. Mostly willows; alders and shrub birches
important in some areas
H = Alpine tundra vegetation, comprising herbs, low-
growing shrubs and sparsely vegetated areas
M = 1-uskeg and bog: Low-lying, flat areas characterized
by abundant mosses, including Sphagna, and by lichens,
graminoids, forbs, low-growing shrubs and scattered
black spruce
SM = Spruce muskeg: Muskeg as above, but with black spruce
a major component
1B = Muskeg with borad-leaved trees and shrubs: Muskeg as
above, with abundant water-courses and raised areas
where birch, aspen, willows and alders occur
MG = iluskeg with graminoids: Muskeg as above, in par-
ticularly poorly drained areas where woody species
are less important and mosses and graminoids pre-
dominate
At this point, the mapping activities tend further to
substantiate the belief that ERTS-1 imagery is a valuable
mapping tool.
2. Some of the newly selected scenes show that vegetation
interpretations can be refined through use of non-growing season
imagery, particularly through the different spectral characteris-
tics of vegetation lacking foliage and through: the effect of
vegetation structure on apparent snow cover.
3. It appears that digital color displays will permit
spectral distinctions which might be overlooked or made only with
uncertainty on phogographic products.
54. No support was obtained for the hypothesis that similar
interband ratio!s from two areas apparently different spectral-
Ly because of different sun angles, would indicate similar surface
features. However, attempts to test this hypothesis have so far
been casual.
PUBLICATIONS: None
RECOM~ENDATIONS: None
REVISED STANDING ORDERS: None
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORMS: See attached
DATA REQUESTS: None
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORM
(See Instructions on Back)
DATE September 30, 1973 
DNDPFUSEONLY
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR J H. Anderson IDID_
GSFC 592
ORGANIZATION University of Alaska
PRODUCT ID FREQUENTLY USED DESCRIPTORSO
(INCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT) DESCRIPTORS
1283-20511 Aerial imagery used
1284-20565 Briaded stream
1338-20555 Brush
1374-20552 Conifer
1321-%1012 Deciduous
1339-21011 Forest
1339-21013 Ground truth used
1341-21123 Hardwood forest
1342-21175 Highway
Lake
Mature vegetation
Meander
Muskeg
River
Timberline
Tundra
Urban area
Vegetation
*FOR DESCRIPTORS WHICH WILL OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WRITE THE DESCRIPTOR TERMS IN THESE
COLUMN HEADING SPACES NOW AND USE A CHECK (/) MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE PRODUCT
ID LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS, WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO ERTS USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-540S
GSFC 37-2 (7/72)
ERTS IMAGE DESCREIPTOR FORM
(Sce Instructions on Back)
NDPF USE ONLY
DATE Septmber 30, 1973 Do
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR H. Anderson NID
GSFC 592
ORGANIZATION Univrsity of Alaska
PRODUCT ID FREQUENTLY USED DESCRIPTORS.
(INCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT) DESCRIPTORS
1286-21070 Aerial imagery used
1358-21061 Airfield
1376-21060 Alluvial plain
1340-21060 Bay
1342-21173 Coast
1358-21055 Coastal plain
1377-21112 Delta
1325-21230 Dormant vegetation
Frozen lakc
Frozen soil
Ground turth used
Industrial area
Mature vegetation
Oil field
permafrost
river
Road
Tundra
Vegetation
*FOR DESCRIPTORS WHICH WILL OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WRITE THE DESCRIPTOR TERMS IN THESE
COLUMN HEADING SPACES NOW AND USE A CHECK (-J) MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE PRODUCT
ID LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS, WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPYTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO ERTS USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-540S
GSFC 37-2 (7/72)
SEVEMNTH BI-M iONTLY PROGRESS REPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ALA.S-UA
ERTS-1 PROJiECT 110-3
September 30, 1973
T... OL .. .VS..., .....: Identification, definition and
- pping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. H. Anderson. UN 592
DISCIPLINE: Environment
SUBDISCIPLINE: Other: Vegetation analysis, mapping and
phonology
SU141MARY OF SIGNIFICANT RESULTS:
Two new, as yet unfi.nished vegetat.ion maps are presented.
These tend further to substantiate the belief that ERTS-1 Ymagery
is a valuable mapping tool.
Newly selected scenes show that vegetation interpretations
can be refined through use of non-growing season imagery, oarticu-
larly through the different spectral characteristics of vegetation
lacking foliage and through the effect of vegetation structure on
apparent snow cove:.
Scenes now are available for all test areas north of the
Alaska Range except Mt. MciUnley National Park.
No support was obtained for the hypothesis that similar
interband ratios, from two areas apparently different spectrally
because of different sun angles, would indicate s milar surface
features. However, attempts to test this hypothesis have so far
been casual.


Identification, definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

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