Remote Sensing Applications Series – serie

National parks, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries, natural reserves, conservation areas, frontier lands, and marine-protected areas are increasingly recognized as essential providers of ecosystem services and biological resources. As debates about climate change and sustainability intensify, protected areas become more important as indicators of ecosystem conditions in particular environments or in comparison with adjacent environments. The first book of its kind, Remote Sensing of Protected Lands showcases state-of-the-art remote sensing applications for the inventory and monitoring of protected areas. Contributions from renowned scholars and experts from around the world are organized into four sections covering the use of remote sensing in:Changing landscapes and change detection Inventory, mapping, and conservation Inventory and monitoring of frontier lands Decision support for the management of protected landsA View of Both the Forest and the TreesCombining reviews of theories and methods with analysis of case studies, the book gives readers both a systematic view of the field and detailed knowledge of specific topics. Case studies explore key topics in the context of a wide range of protected areas, including national parks in the United States and Canada, the Albertine Rift in eastern Africa, the Amazon forests, the Changbai Mountain region in Northeast Asia, the frontier lands in Siberia and the Tibetan Plateau, and marine protected areas along the tropical and temperate Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Alongside each case study, the book examines advanced remote sensing technologies such as airborne and spaceborne high spatial resolution imageries, multispectral and multitemporal time series data, satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), and the integration of r

Bringing a fresh new perspective to remote sensing, object-based image analysis is a paradigm shift from the traditional pixel-based approach. Featuring various practical examples to provide understanding of this new modus operandi, Multispectral Image Analysis Using the Object-Oriented Paradigm reviews the current image analysis methods and demonstrates advantages to improve information extraction from imagery.This reference describes traditional image analysis techniques, introduces object-oriented technology, and discusses the benefits of object-based versus pixel-based classification. It examines the creation of object primitives using image segmentation approaches and the use of various techniques for object classification. The author covers image enhancement methods, how to use ancillary data to constrain image segmentation, and concepts of semantic grouping of objects. He concludes by addressing accuracy assessment approaches. The accompanying downloadable resources present sample data that enable the use of different approaches to problem solving.Integrating remote sensing techniques and GIS analysis, Multispectral Image Analysis Using the Object-Oriented Paradigm distills new tools to extract information from remotely sensed data.

Urban Remote Sensing, Second Edition assembles a team of professional experts to provide a much-needed update on the applications of remote sensing technology to urban and suburban areas. This book reflects new developments in spaceborne and airborne sensors, image processing methods and techniques, and wider applications of urban remote sensing to meet societal and economic challenges. In various sections of the book the authors address methods for upscaling urban feature extraction to the global scale, new methods in mapping and detecting urban landscape features and structures, and mapping and monitoring urbanization in developing countries. Additionally, readers are provided with valuable case studies such as the HEAT (Heat Energy Assessment Technologies) project in Calgary, Canada and the use of VHR (very high resolution) satellite monitoring in Salzburg, Austria to tackle challenges of urban green planning. FeaturesExplores the most up-to-date developments in the field of urban remote sensing Integrates both technical and practical aspects covering all different topics of global urban growth issues Provides new and updated contributions addressing data mining of remotely sensed big data, recent urban studies on a global scale, accuracy assessment and validation, and new technical challenges Examines various applications of urban remote sensing in support of urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable urban development Authors are renowned figures in the field of remote sensing

Remote sensing of impervious surfaces has matured using advances in geospatial technology so recent that its applications have received only sporadic coverage in remote sensing literature. Remote Sensing of Impervious Surfaces is the first to focus entirely on this developing field. It provides detailed coverage of mapping, data extraction, and modeling techniques specific to analyzing impervious surfaces, such as roads and buildings.Written by renowned experts in the field, this book reviews the major approaches that apply to this emerging field as well as current challenges, developments, and trends. The authors introduce remote sensing digital image processing techniques for estimating and mapping impervious surfaces in urban and rural areas. Presenting the latest modeling tools and algorithms for data extraction and analysis, the book explains how to differentiate roads, roofs, and other manmade structures from remotely sensed images for individual analysis. The final chapters examine how to use impervious surface data for predicting the flow of storm- or floodwater and studying trends in population, land use, resource distribution, and other real-world applications in environmental, urban, and regional planning. Each chapter offers a consistent format including a concise review of basic concepts and methodologies, timely case studies, and guidance for solving problems and analyzing data using the techniques presented.

Filling the need for a comprehensive book that covers both theory and application, Remote Sensing of Land Use and Land Cover: Principles and Applications provides a synopsis of how remote sensing can be used for land-cover characterization, mapping, and monitoring from the local to the global scale. With contributions by leading scientists from around the world, this well-structured volume offers an international perspective on the science, technologies, applications, and future needs of remote sensing of land cover and land use. After an overview of the key concepts and history of land-use and land-cover mapping, the book discusses the relationship between land cover and land use and addresses the land-cover classification system. It then presents state-of-the-art methods and techniques in data acquisition, preprocessing, image interpretation, and accuracy assessment for land-use and land-cover characterization and mapping. Case studies from around the world illustrate land-cover applications at global, continental, and national scales. These examples use multiple data sources and provide in-depth understanding of land cover and land-cover dynamics in multiple spatial, thematic, and temporal resolutions. Looking to the future, the book also identifies new frontiers in land-cover mapping and forecasting.The availability and accessibility of accurate and timely land-cover data sets play an important role in many global change studies, highlighting the need for better land-use and land-cover change information at multiple scales. A synthesis of current knowledge in remote sensing of land-use and land-cover science, this book promotes more effective use of Earth observation data and technology to assess, monitor, and manage land resources.

Land use and land cover changes associated with increased urbanization have led to landscape and environmental changes throughout the world. Remote Sensing Applications for the Urban Environment places emphasis on the rapid development of worldwide urbanization and its impact on the environment, and reviews the assessment of urban land cover conditions using remote sensing data. The book examines current satellite observation capacities, the use of remote sensing data to characterize urban extent and urban land cover, and the applications of satellite-derived data for urban environment assessments. It also introduces cutting-edge assessment methods and remote sensing techniques for characterizing high-resolution imagery of urban areas in different ecological environments. Focuses on the latest progress in urban remote sensing and technologies used to monitor urban land use and land cover conditionsIntroduces several methods used to extract urban landscape features using high-resolution imageryDetails the methods currently used for assessing urban vegetation, impervious surface, and urban land use and land cover conditionsDescribes how to use multi-temple satellite images to monitor urban growth around the world An up-to-date reference reflecting the state of the art in both remote sensing and the environmental assessment of urban areas, Remote Sensing Applications for the Urban Environment summarizes current satellite observing capacities and the growing demand for consistent and continuous local, regional, and global observation data by different government agencies throughout the world. This book serves academic faculties, students, researchers, and government decision makers.

Highlighting new technologies, Remote Sensing of Natural Resources explores advanced remote sensing systems and algorithms for image processing, enhancement, feature extraction, data fusion, image classification, image-based modeling, image-based sampling design, map accuracy assessment and quality control. It also discusses their applications for evaluation of natural resources, including sampling design, land use and land cover classification, natural landscape and ecosystem assessment, forestry, agriculture, biomass and carbon-cycle modeling, wetland classification and dynamics monitoring, and soils and minerals mapping. The book combines review articles with case studies that demonstrate recent advances and developments of methods, techniques, and applications of remote sensing, with each chapter on a specific area of natural resources. Through a comprehensive examination of the wide range of applications of remote sensing technologies to natural resources, the book provides insight into advanced remote sensing systems, technologies, and algorithms for researchers, scientists, engineers, and decision makers.

Cities and towns are the original producers of many of the global environmental problems related to waste disposal, and air and water pollution. There is a rapidly growing need for technologies that will enable monitoring of the world’s natural resources and urban assets, and managing exposure to natural and man-made risks. The Group on Earth Observation (GEO) calls for strengthening the cooperation and coordination among global observing systems and research programs. Global Urban Monitoring and Assessment through Earth Observation introduces this important international collaborative effort, reviews the current state of global urban remote sensing, and expands on future directions in the field.The book reviews the current state of global urban monitoring, assessment, modeling, and prediction through Earth observation and related technologies. It then introduces GEO’s important international collaborative effort—Global Urban Observation and Information Task—and the current state of global urban remote sensing and future directions. It explores groundbreaking work in urban remote sensing and examines how it could contribute to the development of innovative concepts and techniques for sustainable urban development. Despite significant progress in recent years, there remain substantial gaps in ongoing national, regional, and global efforts to address environmental challenges. Edited by a well-known expert in the field of remote sensing, GIS, and other geospatial technologies, this book addresses the gaps in an effective and long-term manner, highlighting the importance of increased coordination and networking among major stakeholders and of working together with other key international mechanisms. Drawing on the expertise of pioneers in the field from across the globe, the book details emerging research in the theory, methods, and techniques of urban remote sensing that provide insight into how to solve the major issues of sustainable devel

Integrating Scale in Remote Sensing and GIS serves as the most comprehensive documentation of the scientific and methodological advances that have taken place in integrating scale and remote sensing data. This work addresses the invariants of scale, the ability to change scale, measures of the impact of scale, scale as a parameter in process models, and the implementation of multiscale approaches as methods and techniques for integrating multiple kinds of remote sensing data collected at varying spatial, temporal, and radiometric scales. Researchers, instructors, and students alike will benefit from a guide that has been pragmatically divided into four thematic groups: scale issues and multiple scaling; physical scale as applied to natural resources; urban scale; and human health/social scale. Teeming with insights that elucidate the significance of scale as a foundation for geographic analysis, this book is a vital resource to those seriously involved in the field of GIScience.

Remote Sensing of Impervious Surfaces in Tropical and Subtropical Areas offers a complete and thorough system for using optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing data for improving impervious surface estimation (ISE). Highlighting tropical and subtropical areas where there is significant cloud occurrence and varying phenology, the book addresses the challenges impacting impervious surfaces in tropical and subtropical zones. It examines the potential for estimating urban impervious surfaces in a rainy and cloudy environment, considers the difficulties encountered when using optical remote sensing in this type of climate, and assesses existing methods employing remote sensing data for accurate ISE in tropical and subtropical regions. Using the results of comparative studies conducted during the four seasons and in six different cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, and Cape Town), the authors develop a framework for ISE using optical and SAR image data. They address the advantages and disadvantages of optical and SAR data, consider fusion strategies for combining optical and SAR data, and examine different feature extractions for optical and SAR data. They also detail the limitations of the research, suggest possible topics for future analysis, and cover previous findings on the synergistic use of optical and SAR data. Concentrates on the effect a tropical and subtropical urban climate can have on impervious surface estimation (ISE)Reviews literature on the significance of ISE and the phonological and climatic characteristics of tropical and subtropical regionsDescribes datasets including satellite data, digital orthophoto data, in situ data, and more Remote Sensing of Impervious Surfaces in Tropical and Subtropical Areas investigates the state of the art in creating new algorithms for digital imag

Driven by the societal needs and improvement in sensor technology and image processing techniques, remote sensing has become an essential geospatial tool for understanding the Earth and managing Human-Earth interactions. Remote Sensing for Sustainability introduces the current state of the art remote sensing knowledge integral for monitoring the world’s natural resources and environments, managing exposure to natural disasters and man-made risks, and helping understand the sustainability and productivity of natural ecosystems. Bridging the gap between remote sensing and sustainability science this book examines theories and methods as well as practical applications of sustainable development for cities using remote sensing; focuses on remote sensing methods and techniques for sustainable natural resources with emphasize on forests; answers questions on how and what the remote sensing methods and techniques can do for the sustainability of environmental systems; and examines the issues of energy use and sustainable energy sources using remote sensing technology in countries such as Germany, China, the U.S, drawing on case studies to demonstrate the applicability of remote sensing techniques.This comprehensive guide, which can serve to professors, researchers, and students alike, takes in consideration the United Nations set of sustainable development goals and intends to contribute to the GEO’s Strategic Plan by addressing and exemplifying a number of societal benefit areas of remote sensing data sets, methods, and techniques for sustainable development.

This book explores the applicability of multiple remote sensors to acquire information relevant to restoration and conservation efforts in wetlands using data collected from airborne and space multispectral/hyperspectral sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and a hand-held spectroradiometer. This book also examines digital data processing techniques such as object-based image analysis, machine learning, texture analysis, and data fusion. After an introduction to the Everglades and to remote sensing, the book is divided into four parts based on the sensor systems used. There are chapters on vegetation mapping, biomass and water quality modeling, applications of hyperspectral data for plant stress analysis and coral reef mapping, studies of airborne LiDAR data for coastal vulnerability analysis and DEM improvement, as well as chapters that explore a fusion of multiple sensors for different datasets.Features Introduces concepts, theories, and advanced processing techniques A complete introduction of machine learning, object-based image analysis, data fusion, and ensemble analysis techniques in processing data from multiple remote sensors Explains how multiple remote sensing systems are applied in the wetland ecosystems of Florida The author had been teaching and using both systems and her research is widely recognized Multi-sensor System Applications in the Everglades Ecosystems provides a comprehensive application of remote sensing techniques in the Florida Everglades and its coastal ecosystems. It will prove an invaluable resource for the restoration and conservation of the Florida Everglades and beyond, for global wetlands in general. Any professional, scientist, engineer, or student working with remote sensing and wetland ecosystems will reap enormous benefits from this book.

Urban Remote Sensing, Second Edition assembles a team of professional experts to provide a much-needed update on the applications of remote sensing technology to urban and suburban areas. This book reflects new developments in spaceborne and airborne sensors, image processing methods and techniques, and wider applications of urban remote sensing to meet societal and economic challenges. In various sections of the book the authors address methods for upscaling urban feature extraction to the global scale, new methods in mapping and detecting urban landscape features and structures, and mapping and monitoring urbanization in developing countries. Additionally, readers are provided with valuable case studies such as the HEAT (Heat Energy Assessment Technologies) project in Calgary, Canada and the use of VHR (very high resolution) satellite monitoring in Salzburg, Austria to tackle challenges of urban green planning. FeaturesExplores the most up-to-date developments in the field of urban remote sensing Integrates both technical and practical aspects covering all different topics of global urban growth issues Provides new and updated contributions addressing data mining of remotely sensed big data, recent urban studies on a global scale, accuracy assessment and validation, and new technical challenges Examines various applications of urban remote sensing in support of urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable urban development Authors are renowned figures in the field of remote sensing

Generating a satisfactory classification image from remote sensing data is not a straightforward task. Many factors contribute to this difficulty including the characteristics of a study area, availability of suitable remote sensing data, ancillary and ground reference data, proper use of variables and classification algorithms, and the analyst’s experience. An authoritative text, Advances in Environmental Remote Sensing: Sensors, Algorithms, and Applications compiles comprehensive review articles to examine the developments in concepts, methods, techniques, and applications as well as focused articles and case studies on the latest on a particular topic.Divided into four sections, the first deals with various sensors, systems, or sensing operations using different regions of wavelengths. Drawing on the data and lessons learned from the U.S. Landsat remote sensing programs, it reviews key concepts, methods, and practical uses of particular sensors/sensing systems. Section II presents new developments in algorithms and techniques, specifically in image preprocessing, thematic information extraction, and digital change detection. It gives correction algorithms for hyperspectral, thermal, and multispectral sensors, discusses the combined method for performing topographic and atmospheric corrections, and provides examples of correcting non-standard atmospheric conditions, including haze, cirrus, and cloud shadow. Section III focuses on remote sensing of vegetation and related features of the Earth’s surface. It reviews advancements in the remote sensing of ecosystem structure, process, and function, and notes important trade-offs and compromises in characterizing ecosystems from space related to spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions of the imaging sensors. It discusses the mismatch between leaf-level and species-level ecological variables and satellite spatial resolutions and the resulting difficulties in validating satellite-derived products. Finally, Section IV examines developments in the remote sensing of air, water, and other terrestrial features, reviews MODIS algorithms for aerosol retrieval at both global and local scales, and demonstrates the retrieval of aerosol optical thickness (AOT). This section rounds out coverage with a look at remote sensing approaches to measure the urban environment and examines the most important concepts and recent research.

As coastal environments around the world face unprecedented natural and anthropogenic threats, advancements in the technologies that support geospatial data acquisition, imaging, and computing have profoundly enhanced monitoring capabilities in coastal studies. Providing systematic treatment of the key developments, Remote Sensing of Coastal Environments brings together renowned scholars to supply a clear presentation of the state-of-the-art in this technically complex arena.Edited by a recipient of the prestigious PECASE award, this book provides unrivaled coverage of the issues unique to coastal environments. It presents the best available data for measuring and monitoring coastal zones and explains how decision makers and resource managers can use this data to address contemporary issues in coastal zone management. The text illustrates the latest developments in active remote sensing, hyperspectral remote sensing, high spatial resolution remote sensing, the integration of remote sensing and in situ data, and covers the effects of land-cover and land-use change on coastal environments. Complete with representative case studies, this authoritative resource provides a timely snapshot of the wide range of remote sensing applications in coastal issues to enhance the understanding of how increasing disturbances to our coastal regions are affecting the ecological dynamics, biological diversity, and ecosystem health of our coastal environments.

Increases in populations have created an increasing demand for food crops while increases in demand for biofuels have created an increase in demand for fuel crops. What has not increased is the amount of croplands and their productivity. These and many other factors such as decreasing water resources in a changing climate have created a crisis like situation in global food security. Decision makers in these situations need accurate information based on science. Remote Sensing of Global Croplands for Food Security provides a comprehensive knowledge base in use of satellite sensor-based maps and statistics that can be used to develop strategies for croplands (irrigated and rainfed) and their water use for food security. Over 50 Multi-disciplinary Global Experts Give Insight and Provide Practical Approaches Emphasizing practical mapping technologies based on advanced remote sensing data and methods, this book provides approaches for estimating irrigated and rainfed cropland areas and their water use on a national, continental, or global basis. Written by 50+ leading experts working at the forefront of this critical area, it offers case studies from a variety of continents highlighting the subtle requirements of each. In a very practical way it demonstrates the experience, utility, and models for determining water resources used and resulting yields of irrigated and rainfed croplands. The authors discuss: (a) innovative methods used for mapping croplands, (b) approaches adopted to collect cropland data in different countries by traditional and non-traditional means, (c) accuracies, uncertainties, and errors involved in producing cropland products, (d) surface energy balance models used to assess crop water use, and (e) extensive results and outcomes pertaining to global croplands and their water use.Develop Strategies for an Enhanced Green Revolution and an Accelerated Blue RevolutionLinking croplands to water use and food security, the book provides a global perspective on this sensitive issue. It gives insight into the extent of cropland usage, their spatial distribution, their cropping intensities, and their water use patterns. The editors collect the experience, methods, models, and results that show the way forward and help in decision-making on water resources and food security. All of this is required for developing strategies for an enhanced green revolution and for an accelerated blue revolution.

Advanced imaging spectral technology and hyperspectral analysis techniques for multiple applications are the key features of the book. This book will present in one volume complete solutions from concepts, fundamentals, and methods of acquisition of hyperspectral data to analyses and applications of the data in a very coherent manner. It will help readers to fully understand basic theories of HRS, how to utilize various field spectrometers and bioinstruments, the importance of radiometric correction and atmospheric correction, the use of analysis, tools and software, and determine what to do with HRS technology and data.

Land management issues, such as mapping tree species, recognizing invasive plants, and identifying key geologic features, require an understanding of complex technical issues before the best decisions can be made. Hyperspectral remote sensing is one the technologies that can help with reliable detection and identification. Presenting the fundamentals of remote sensing at an introductory level, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: Principles and Applications explores all major aspects of hyperspectral image acquisition, exploitation, interpretation, and applications. The book begins with several chapters on the basic concepts and underlying principles of remote sensing images. It introduces spectral radiometry concepts, such as radiance, irradiance, flux, and blackbody radiation; covers imaging spectrometers, examining spectral range, full width half maximum (FWHM), resolution, sampling, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and multispectral and hyperspectral sensor systems; and addresses atmospheric interactions. The book then discusses information extraction, with chapters covering the underlying physics principles that lead to the creation of an image and the interpretation of the image's information. The final chapters describe case studies that illustrate the use of hyperspectral remote sensing in agriculture, environmental monitoring, forestry, and geology.After reading this book, you will have a better understanding of how to evaluate different approaches to hyperspectral analyses and to determine which approaches will work for your applications.

Ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of geography, forestry, ecology, geographic information science, remote sensing, and photogrammetric engineering, LiDAR Remote Sensing and Applications expertly joins LiDAR principles, data processing basics, applications, and hands-on practices in one comprehensive source.The LiDAR data within this book is collected from 27 areas in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, and Haiti and includes 183 figures created to introduce the concepts, methods, and applications in a clear context. It provides 11 step-by-step projects predominately based on Esri’s ArcGIS software to support seamless integration of LiDAR products and other GIS data. The first six projects are for basic LiDAR data visualization and processing and the other five cover more advanced topics: from mapping gaps in mangrove forests in Everglades National Park, Florida to generating trend surfaces for rock layers in Raplee Ridge, Utah. FeaturesOffers a comprehensive overview of LiDAR technology with numerous applications in geography, forestry and earth science Gives necessary theoretical foundations from all pertinent subject matter areas Uses case studies and best practices to point readers to tools and resources Provides a synthesis of ongoing research in the area of LiDAR remote sensing technology Includes carefully selected illustrations and data from the authors' research projects Before every project in the book, a link is provided for users to download data

Bringing a fresh new perspective to remote sensing, object-based image analysis is a paradigm shift from the traditional pixel-based approach. Featuring various practical examples to provide understanding of this new modus operandi, Multispectral Image Analysis Using the Object-Oriented Paradigm reviews the current image analysis methods and demonstrates advantages to improve information extraction from imagery.This reference describes traditional image analysis techniques, introduces object-oriented technology, and discusses the benefits of object-based versus pixel-based classification. It examines the creation of object primitives using image segmentation approaches and the use of various techniques for object classification. The author covers image enhancement methods, how to use ancillary data to constrain image segmentation, and concepts of semantic grouping of objects. He concludes by addressing accuracy assessment approaches. The accompanying downloadable resources present sample data that enable the use of different approaches to problem solving.Integrating remote sensing techniques and GIS analysis, Multispectral Image Analysis Using the Object-Oriented Paradigm distills new tools to extract information from remotely sensed data.

Remote sensing of impervious surfaces has matured using advances in geospatial technology so recent that its applications have received only sporadic coverage in remote sensing literature. Remote Sensing of Impervious Surfaces is the first to focus entirely on this developing field. It provides detailed coverage of mapping, data extraction, and modeling techniques specific to analyzing impervious surfaces, such as roads and buildings.Written by renowned experts in the field, this book reviews the major approaches that apply to this emerging field as well as current challenges, developments, and trends. The authors introduce remote sensing digital image processing techniques for estimating and mapping impervious surfaces in urban and rural areas. Presenting the latest modeling tools and algorithms for data extraction and analysis, the book explains how to differentiate roads, roofs, and other manmade structures from remotely sensed images for individual analysis. The final chapters examine how to use impervious surface data for predicting the flow of storm- or floodwater and studying trends in population, land use, resource distribution, and other real-world applications in environmental, urban, and regional planning. Each chapter offers a consistent format including a concise review of basic concepts and methodologies, timely case studies, and guidance for solving problems and analyzing data using the techniques presented.

Filling the need for a comprehensive book that covers both theory and application, Remote Sensing of Land Use and Land Cover: Principles and Applications provides a synopsis of how remote sensing can be used for land-cover characterization, mapping, and monitoring from the local to the global scale. With contributions by leading scientists from around the world, this well-structured volume offers an international perspective on the science, technologies, applications, and future needs of remote sensing of land cover and land use. After an overview of the key concepts and history of land-use and land-cover mapping, the book discusses the relationship between land cover and land use and addresses the land-cover classification system. It then presents state-of-the-art methods and techniques in data acquisition, preprocessing, image interpretation, and accuracy assessment for land-use and land-cover characterization and mapping. Case studies from around the world illustrate land-cover applications at global, continental, and national scales. These examples use multiple data sources and provide in-depth understanding of land cover and land-cover dynamics in multiple spatial, thematic, and temporal resolutions. Looking to the future, the book also identifies new frontiers in land-cover mapping and forecasting.The availability and accessibility of accurate and timely land-cover data sets play an important role in many global change studies, highlighting the need for better land-use and land-cover change information at multiple scales. A synthesis of current knowledge in remote sensing of land-use and land-cover science, this book promotes more effective use of Earth observation data and technology to assess, monitor, and manage land resources.

Land use and land cover changes associated with increased urbanization have led to landscape and environmental changes throughout the world. Remote Sensing Applications for the Urban Environment places emphasis on the rapid development of worldwide urbanization and its impact on the environment, and reviews the assessment of urban land cover conditions using remote sensing data. The book examines current satellite observation capacities, the use of remote sensing data to characterize urban extent and urban land cover, and the applications of satellite-derived data for urban environment assessments. It also introduces cutting-edge assessment methods and remote sensing techniques for characterizing high-resolution imagery of urban areas in different ecological environments. Focuses on the latest progress in urban remote sensing and technologies used to monitor urban land use and land cover conditionsIntroduces several methods used to extract urban landscape features using high-resolution imageryDetails the methods currently used for assessing urban vegetation, impervious surface, and urban land use and land cover conditionsDescribes how to use multi-temple satellite images to monitor urban growth around the worldAn up-to-date reference reflecting the state of the art in both remote sensing and the environmental assessment of urban areas, Remote Sensing Applications for the Urban Environment summarizes current satellite observing capacities and the growing demand for consistent and continuous local, regional, and global observation data by different government agencies throughout the world. This book serves academic faculties, students, researchers, and government decision makers.

Increases in populations have created an increasing demand for food crops while increases in demand for biofuels have created an increase in demand for fuel crops. What has not increased is the amount of croplands and their productivity. These and many other factors such as decreasing water resources in a changing climate have created a crisis like situation in global food security. Decision makers in these situations need accurate information based on science. Remote Sensing of Global Croplands for Food Security provides a comprehensive knowledge base in use of satellite sensor-based maps and statistics that can be used to develop strategies for croplands (irrigated and rainfed) and their water use for food security. Over 50 Multi-disciplinary Global Experts Give Insight and Provide Practical Approaches Emphasizing practical mapping technologies based on advanced remote sensing data and methods, this book provides approaches for estimating irrigated and rainfed cropland areas and their water use on a national, continental, or global basis. Written by 50+ leading experts working at the forefront of this critical area, it offers case studies from a variety of continents highlighting the subtle requirements of each. In a very practical way it demonstrates the experience, utility, and models for determining water resources used and resulting yields of irrigated and rainfed croplands. The authors discuss: (a) innovative methods used for mapping croplands, (b) approaches adopted to collect cropland data in different countries by traditional and non-traditional means, (c) accuracies, uncertainties, and errors involved in producing cropland products, (d) surface energy balance models used to assess crop water use, and (e) extensive results and outcomes pertaining to global croplands and their water use.Develop Strategies for an Enhanced Green Revolution and an Accelerated Blue RevolutionLinking croplands to water use and food security, the book provides a global perspective on this sensitive issue. It gives insight into the extent of cropland usage, their spatial distribution, their cropping intensities, and their water use patterns. The editors collect the experience, methods, models, and results that show the way forward and help in decision-making on water resources and food security. All of this is required for developing strategies for an enhanced green revolution and for an accelerated blue revolution.

Generating a satisfactory classification image from remote sensing data is not a straightforward task. Many factors contribute to this difficulty including the characteristics of a study area, availability of suitable remote sensing data, ancillary and ground reference data, proper use of variables and classification algorithms, and the analyst’s experience. An authoritative text, Advances in Environmental Remote Sensing: Sensors, Algorithms, and Applications compiles comprehensive review articles to examine the developments in concepts, methods, techniques, and applications as well as focused articles and case studies on the latest on a particular topic.Divided into four sections, the first deals with various sensors, systems, or sensing operations using different regions of wavelengths. Drawing on the data and lessons learned from the U.S. Landsat remote sensing programs, it reviews key concepts, methods, and practical uses of particular sensors/sensing systems. Section II presents new developments in algorithms and techniques, specifically in image preprocessing, thematic information extraction, and digital change detection. It gives correction algorithms for hyperspectral, thermal, and multispectral sensors, discusses the combined method for performing topographic and atmospheric corrections, and provides examples of correcting non-standard atmospheric conditions, including haze, cirrus, and cloud shadow. Section III focuses on remote sensing of vegetation and related features of the Earth’s surface. It reviews advancements in the remote sensing of ecosystem structure, process, and function, and notes important trade-offs and compromises in characterizing ecosystems from space related to spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions of the imaging sensors. It discusses the mismatch between leaf-level and species-level ecological variables and satellite spatial resolutions and the resulting difficulties in validating satellite-derived products. Finally, Section IV examines developments in the remote sensing of air, water, and other terrestrial features, reviews MODIS algorithms for aerosol retrieval at both global and local scales, and demonstrates the retrieval of aerosol optical thickness (AOT). This section rounds out coverage with a look at remote sensing approaches to measure the urban environment and examines the most important concepts and recent research.

As coastal environments around the world face unprecedented natural and anthropogenic threats, advancements in the technologies that support geospatial data acquisition, imaging, and computing have profoundly enhanced monitoring capabilities in coastal studies. Providing systematic treatment of the key developments, Remote Sensing of Coastal Environments brings together renowned scholars to supply a clear presentation of the state-of-the-art in this technically complex arena.Edited by a recipient of the prestigious PECASE award, this book provides unrivaled coverage of the issues unique to coastal environments. It presents the best available data for measuring and monitoring coastal zones and explains how decision makers and resource managers can use this data to address contemporary issues in coastal zone management. The text illustrates the latest developments in active remote sensing, hyperspectral remote sensing, high spatial resolution remote sensing, the integration of remote sensing and in situ data, and covers the effects of land-cover and land-use change on coastal environments. Complete with representative case studies, this authoritative resource provides a timely snapshot of the wide range of remote sensing applications in coastal issues to enhance the understanding of how increasing disturbances to our coastal regions are affecting the ecological dynamics, biological diversity, and ecosystem health of our coastal environments.

National parks, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries, natural reserves, conservation areas, frontier lands, and marine-protected areas are increasingly recognized as essential providers of ecosystem services and biological resources. As debates about climate change and sustainability intensify, protected areas become more important as indicators of ecosystem conditions in particular environments or in comparison with adjacent environments. The first book of its kind, Remote Sensing of Protected Lands showcases state-of-the-art remote sensing applications for the inventory and monitoring of protected areas. Contributions from renowned scholars and experts from around the world are organized into four sections covering the use of remote sensing in:Changing landscapes and change detection Inventory, mapping, and conservation Inventory and monitoring of frontier lands Decision support for the management of protected landsA View of Both the Forest and the TreesCombining reviews of theories and methods with analysis of case studies, the book gives readers both a systematic view of the field and detailed knowledge of specific topics. Case studies explore key topics in the context of a wide range of protected areas, including national parks in the United States and Canada, the Albertine Rift in eastern Africa, the Amazon forests, the Changbai Mountain region in Northeast Asia, the frontier lands in Siberia and the Tibetan Plateau, and marine protected areas along the tropical and temperate Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Alongside each case study, the book examines advanced remote sensing technologies such as airborne and spaceborne high spatial resolution imageries, multispectral and multitemporal time series data, satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), and the integration of r

Highlighting new technologies, Remote Sensing of Natural Resources explores advanced remote sensing systems and algorithms for image processing, enhancement, feature extraction, data fusion, image classification, image-based modeling, image-based sampling design, map accuracy assessment and quality control. It also discusses their applications for evaluation of natural resources, including sampling design, land use and land cover classification, natural landscape and ecosystem assessment, forestry, agriculture, biomass and carbon-cycle modeling, wetland classification and dynamics monitoring, and soils and minerals mapping. The book combines review articles with case studies that demonstrate recent advances and developments of methods, techniques, and applications of remote sensing, with each chapter on a specific area of natural resources. Through a comprehensive examination of the wide range of applications of remote sensing technologies to natural resources, the book provides insight into advanced remote sensing systems, technologies, and algorithms for researchers, scientists, engineers, and decision makers.

Cities and towns are the original producers of many of the global environmental problems related to waste disposal, and air and water pollution. There is a rapidly growing need for technologies that will enable monitoring of the world’s natural resources and urban assets, and managing exposure to natural and man-made risks. The Group on Earth Observation (GEO) calls for strengthening the cooperation and coordination among global observing systems and research programs. Global Urban Monitoring and Assessment through Earth Observation introduces this important international collaborative effort, reviews the current state of global urban remote sensing, and expands on future directions in the field.The book reviews the current state of global urban monitoring, assessment, modeling, and prediction through Earth observation and related technologies. It then introduces GEO’s important international collaborative effort—Global Urban Observation and Information Task—and the current state of global urban remote sensing and future directions. It explores groundbreaking work in urban remote sensing and examines how it could contribute to the development of innovative concepts and techniques for sustainable urban development. Despite significant progress in recent years, there remain substantial gaps in ongoing national, regional, and global efforts to address environmental challenges. Edited by a well-known expert in the field of remote sensing, GIS, and other geospatial technologies, this book addresses the gaps in an effective and long-term manner, highlighting the importance of increased coordination and networking among major stakeholders and of working together with other key international mechanisms. Drawing on the expertise of pioneers in the field from across the globe, the book details emerging research in the theory, methods, and techniques of urban remote sensing that provide insight into how to solve the major issues of sustainable development—one of the most important issues facing society in the future.