The author has identified the following significant results. Results include the estimation of forested and crop vegetation acreages using the ERTS-1 imagery. The methods used to achieve these estimates still require refinement, but the results appear promising. Practical applications would be directed toward achieving current land use inventories of these natural resources. This data is presently collected by sampling type surveys. If ERTS-1 can observe this and area estimates can be determined accurately, then a step forward has been achieved. Cost benefit relationship will have to be favorable. Problems still exist in these estimation techniques due to the diversity of the scene observed in the ERTS-1 imagery covering other part of Iowa. This is due to influence of topography and soils upon the adaptability of the vegetation to specific areas of the state. The state mosaic produced from ERTS-1 imagery shows these patterns very well. Research directed to acreage estimates is continuing

Carlson, R. E.

Mahlstede, J. P.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

aE 7. 4 - 1 0. 0.2. 0In the Interest of early and wide dis-
semination of Earth Resources Survey
Program information and without liability
Date: November 9, 1973 for any use made thereof."
To: ERTS Contracting Officer ERTS Scientific Monitor
Code 245, GSFC Code 650, GSFC
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
ERTS Technical Officer NASA Scientific and Technical
Code 430, GSFC Information Facility
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 Attn - ERTS Resources
Post Office Box 33
ERTS Project Scientist College Park, Maryland 20740
Code 650, GSFC
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 Mr. J.H. Boeckel, Code 430
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
From: Dr. John P. Mahlstede, Principal Investigator (UN-61) ---
Dr. R. E. Carlson, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Climatolog31 K' j
Iowa Agriculture Experimental Station
104 Curtiss Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50010
Re: Progress Report (Type I)
The following progress report summarizes work accomplished for the 2-month
period ending October 31, 1973 with reference to Article II, Item 3 of the
contract schedA -uitlined in #NAS5-21839.
a. Remote Sensing in Iowa Agriculture (MMC #249).
b. GSFC Identifaction Number of the Principal Investigator (UN-611).
c. Any problems that are impeding the progress of the investigation:
No major problems are impeding the progress of this investigation at this time,
except that ERTS-1 coverage at one test site has been limited to one time during
June. This limited coverage has been due to cloud cover.
d. Accomplishments during this reporting period and those planned for
the next reporting period:
i) Cropland inventory
1) Successful ERTS-1 imagery has been received covering 2 test
sites in Iowa at critical crop calendar times during the 1973
crop growing season. Spectral responses of known fields are
being examined to establish a crop calendar which will be
analyzed to provide maximum separation of Iowa's major crop
types. Analysis procedures include examination of black and
white enlargements, color infrared renditions and miniadcol
produced color products which are both multi-date and multi-
spectral.
(E74-10020) REMOTE SENSING IN IOWA N74-11155
AGRICULTURE Progress Report, period
ending 31 Oct. 1973 (Iowa State Univ. of
Science and lechnology) 3 p HC $3.00 Unclas
CSCL 02B G3/13 00020
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740003042 2020-03-23T14:04:31+00:00Z
-2-
2) NASA provided underflights have been received. This is excellent
imagery. Acreage estimates will be determined from this imagery
and will be correlated with the ERTS-1 imagery.
3) Skylab imagery covered two test sites during June of 1973.
This imagery has been ordered and will be correlated with both
the ERTS-1 imagery and the NASA provided underflights.
4) Additional underflight imagery has been acquired over other
test sites through another project. This imagery will serve
as additional ground truth.
ii) Soils inventory
1) Soil association maps are being overlayed on to spring time
ERTS-1 black and white enlargements of MSS7 covering central
Iowa and are being visually correlated with the soil associa-
tion maps. Initial analysis shows a good correlation. Addi-
tional areas will be examined using the black and white
enlargements and, also, miniadcol produced color products
which integrate the spectral response of other wavelengths
besides MSS7.
2) More specific soil mapping research continues using the NASA
provided spring time underflight imagery. Other photographic
products, besides normal black and white, are being examined.
iii) Forestland inventory
1) Inventory estimates of forestland cover in the Des Moines
River drainage basin have been reported in previous reports.
These estimates were based on the spectral response of one
wavelength at one time. Presently, we are investigating the
use of multi-date and multi-spectral color additive products
to more precisely define the forest land and take advantage of
multi-spectral response differences.
2) Analysis of the underflight imagery provided by NASA and
other sources are being examined to determine times and
imagery types which best discriminate forestry and habitat
types from low level platforms.
iv) Crop diseases
1) Crop diseases have not been widespread during 1973. Therefore,
analysis of ERTS-1 imagery for this purpose has not been most
promising. Some diseases caused visual changes coinciding with
normal senescence. Additional low level imagery has been acquired
over test plots in order to determine the ability to detect speci-
fic crop diseases from low-level platforms.
v) General
1) ERTS-1 imagery has been acquired which covers the entire state
of Iowa during May and June of 1973. A mosaic is being constructed
from this imagery using MSS7. This mosaic will be used for general
land-use inventories of the natural resources of Iowa.
-3-
2) In central Iowa the surface coverage of a major reservoir (Red
Rock Reservoir) has been monitored using multi-date ERTS-1
imagery. From September of 1972 to May of 1973 a dramatic
increase in the surface coverage was noted.
3) Researchers in the above sub-projects have indicated that direct
analysis of digital tapes containing ERTS-1 imagery would be
useful in attaining their research objectives. Therefore, ERTS-1
digital tapes are being requested for different dates covering
central Iowa.
e. Discussion of significant results and their relationship to practical
applications or operational problems: Significant results during this reporting
period include the estimation of forested and crop vegetation acreages using the
ERTS-1 imagery. The methods used to achieve these estimates still require
refinement, but the results appear promising. Practical applications would be
directed toward achieving current land use inventories of these natural resources.
This data is presently collected by sampling type surveys. If ERTS-1 can observe
this and area estimates can be determined accurately, then a step forward has
been achieved. Cost-benefit relationship will have to be favorable. Problems
still exist in these estimation techniques due to the diversity of the scene
observed in the ERTS-1 imagery covering otherpartsof Iowa. This is due to the
influence of topography and soils upon the adaptability of the vegetation to
specific areas of the state. The state mosaic produced from ERTS-1 imagery shows
these patterns very well. Research directed to acreage estimates will continue.
f. There are no published articles, and/or papers, pre-prints, etc. at
this time.
g. We have requested digital tapes at two selected times covering central
Iowa. Other than this change, no recommendations concerning practical changes
in operations are suggested at this time.
h. No additions to the standing order are requested at this time.
j. Data request forms have been submitted to obtain 1 set of ERTS-1
covering the entire state of Iowa. Digital tapes have been requested for
two different scenes covering central Iowa. In addition, 2 sets of winter
time ERTS-1 imagery have been requested for the soils and forestry research.


Remote sensing in Iowa agriculture

The author has identified the following significant results. Photo-interpretive methods have been used for vegetation identification to include additive false color analysis using the I2S Miniadcol system. Enlarged black and white ERTS-1 imagery provides excellent synoptic coverage over large areas and this provides the vegetation type interpretor with a first tool. Analysis of field type using MSS bands individually gives the interpretor only shades of gray to base his decision. Combining the MSS bands and adding color through the I2S Miniadcol system provides the interpretor a greater degree of freedom in his decision making process. The information potentially available from ERTS-1 can be of great use in state planning and as an aid to the present crop survey programs

AdWO i le r a ustf U SPtnSrS
Inf the interest of eiN;iwide dis- E 7 5
semination of Earth Resources Survey
Date: May 4, 1973 Program information and without liability CR -133 /5-
for any use made thereof."
To: ERTS Contracting Officer ERTS Scientific Monitor
Code 245, GSFC Code 650
Greenblet, Maryland 20771 Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
ERTS Technical Officer NASA Scientific and Technical
Code 430, GSFC Information Facility
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 Attn - ERTS Resources
4N Post Office Box 33
ERTS Project Scientist College Park, Maryland 20740
Code 650, GSFC
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 Mr. J.H. Boeckel, Code 430
£40 NASA/Goddard Space Flgiht Center
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
·- From: Dr .4 Chtede, Principal Investigator (UN-611)
m and Dr. Richard E. Carlson
Iowa Agriculture Experiment Station
iu N104 Curtiss Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50010
o u
.o o Re: Progress Report (Type I)
H PO a
HO) u 3 The following progress report summarizes work accomplished for the 2-month
· U = period ending April 30, 1973 with reference to Article II, Item 3 of the con-
H - X tract schedule outlined in #NAS5-21839.
m Z O -= a. Remote Sensing in Iowa.Agriculture (MMC #249).
P XH _ b. GSFC Identification Number of the Principal Investigator (UN-611).
l ) 0
X Ln r-4 c. Any problems that are impeding the progress of the investigation: No major
o r- 0! >trm a problems are impeding the progress of this investigation at this time.
'I X 04 
P · * d. Accomplishments during this reporting period and those planned for the next
i X. reporting period: During this reporting period, ERTS-1 enlargements (mainly MSS5
Ll H ' and MSS6) and Miniadcol produced color slides (MSS5, MSS6 and MSS7) were compared
-=o e to the ground truth at sites near Ames, Iowa and at Doon, Iowa with emphasis placed
r-EHm lb on crop identification and inventory. The NASA provided underflights flown on
" U August 12, 1972 were an essential part of the ground truth. They provide identifi-
mHa.l Ye ation of vegetation and probably more importantly, the amount of each vegetation
,~~ a u ype present at each test site. Field irregularities due to drainage, erosion, etc.
V¢'< Q X)are easily noted from these NASA provided underflights. This analysis is continuing,
but the ERTS-1 imagery covering the western part of Iowa is probably the best imagery
we presently have available. The underflights and the ERTS-1 coverage correspond
within two days.
The test site at Doon, Iowa includes a small river valley and this has caused
the field identification for that area to be a problem. Resolution limits identi-
fication because fields are irregularly shaped and the vegetation types present are
quite diverse. In the area immediately adjacent to the flight line, as viewed on
the Miniadcol produced color slides depicting the ERTS-1 coverage, the field con-
figuration appears very distinct and at least four color field responses are present.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730017595 2020-03-23T04:04:17+00:00Z
ERTS Contracting Officer
ERTS Technical Officer
ERTS Project Scientist
ERTS Scientific Monitor
NASA Scientific and Technical Information Facility
Mr. J.H. Boeckel
May 4, 1973
Page 2
Exact ground truth for these areas is not immediately available; however, township
estimates of major crop acreages are available through the State of Iowa Crop
Reporting Service. For this reason, these township acreage estimates have been
requested and Miniadcol color slides for selected townships in western Iowa have
been produced through cooperation with the Iowa State Geologic Survey.- Remote
Sensing Laboratory located at Iowa City, Iowa. We hope to survey these selected
townships in western Iowa and one entire county for amounts of corn and soybeans
present in August 1972. These results will be included in the next reporting
period progress report.
Examination of black and white 16" x 20" enlargements of the ERTS-1 70 mm
product reveals that the above mentioned problem will occur in other parts of
Iowa. In some areas the fields are very distinct; however, in other areas this
is not true. Field boundaries are not as distinct due to the influence of the
soils and topography present, which in turn limits the type of crops adaptable
for production. ERTS-1 imagery covering the Missouri River flood plain and
associated loess hills immediately east of the Missouri River in western Iowa
illustrates this problem. Analysis of the crop distribution in Iowa will continue
so that these problem areas can be noted.
Other work during this period has included preparation for the 1973 crop
season ERTS-1 coverage of Iowa and the NASA provided spring underflight coverage
over the four test sites. Field ground truth and soil surveys in selected areas
are presently in progress.
e. Discussion of significant results and their relationship to practical
applications or operational problems: The approach to vegetation identification
and inventory used to date in this project does not include data processing and
classification utilizing either computer compatible tapes or microdensitometer
quantification of ERTS-1 imagery. Photo-interpretive methods have been used to
date and this includes additive false color analysis using the I2S Miniadcol
system. Enlarged black and white ERTS-1 imagery provides excellent synoptic
coverage over large areas and this provides the vegetation type interpreter with
a first tool. Analysis of field type using MSS bands individually gives the
interpreter only shades of gray to base his decision. Combining the MSS bands and
adding color through the I2S Miniadcol system provides the interpreter a greater
degree of freedom in his decision making process. To date this has been both
encouraging and discouraging. As stated previously, in certain areas of Iowa,
fields appear very distinct and color differences between fields are quite distinct.
In this case the interpreter can effectively place field boundaries. In other areas,
however, resolution due to small field size and crop pattern diversity make the
interpreters job of placing field boundaries and estimating acres very difficult.
The information potentially available from ERTS-1 can be of great use in state
planning and as an aid to thepresent crop survey programs. For this reason we will
continue investigating this method of analysis of the ERTS-1 imagery.
ERTS Contracting Officer
ERTS Technical Officer
ERTS Project Scientist
ERTS Scientific Monitor
NASA Scientific and Technical Information Facility
Mr. J.H. Boeckel
May 4, 1973
Page 3
f. There are no published articles, and/or papers, pre-prints, etc. at this
time.
g. No recommendations concerning practical changes in operations are suggested
at this time.
h. An addition to the standing order form is requested as follows: (see
attached standing order form).
j. No data request forms have been submitted during this reporting period.
ERTS 1STANDING ORDER FORM
(See Instructions on Back)
Gl ADDITION
DATE_ May 4. 1973 C CHANGE
GSFC ID NUMBER O ELETION
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Mahlstede, John P.
TELEPHONE NO. 515-294-4762 O NEW CATALOGS D
SHIP TO: Dr. John P. Mahlstede STANDARD
Iowa Agriculture Experi(NAME)Staton DCSIowa Agriculture Experiment Station DCS
104 Curtiss Hall, iowa State University
(STREET)Ames iowa 50010
(CITY) (STATE) (ZIP)
ESIRED
5 U.S.
n
MICROFILM ER U.S.
O CHECK IF ADDRESS
NDPF USE ONLY
D
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ID
DTM
TM
TM APP_
O NON-U.S.
O NON-U.S.
IS NEW
GEOGRAPHIC POINTS Q COVERAGE PERIOD PR
~C ~ ~C U ___- ,U RBV MSS 
RAU L C U A F CK NA BANDS BANDS E
EB OV% L TO T EA A~~E UUE I START STOP YRM T
R ATITUDE LONGITUDE D R T DATE DATE P M A T E
~R V EAR T1231234E
TK
42000 N 09600 W 7 F 04 01 73 10 31 73 S 1 X XX
A copy of this fort has been
sent to N]PF User ervi es.
_SF 3=-3 (_/7) _INVESTI_ _TOR_ _ OPY
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ i _ =~~
=- _ __ _ __ _ _ 7 _/
= _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ t _ _ _~~~~,t
INVESTIGATOR'S COPYGSFC 37-3 (7/72)


Remote sensing in Iowa agriculture

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