Selected examples of profitable applications of remote sensing for resources inventories and monitoring

The Remote Sensing Centre of the Institute of Geodesy and Cartography in Warsaw has been operating since 1976. It has multi-disciplinary character; carries out scientific research, elaborates technologies of remote sensing investigations, applies remote sensing methods for solving various practical problems, coordinates national activities in this field, developes and disseminates remote sensing knowledge at both national and international levels offering various types of specialized training.The authors discuss the role of remote sensing investigations in the process of development planning. Examples of projects executed at the Remote Sensing Centre and concerning topographic and land use mapping, geological investigations, agricultural crop area determination, forest research, environmental monitoring and studies of climatic conditions in urban environment are described and extensively discussed in the paper. The authors emphasize these areas of the application of remote sensing and these interpretation techniques which are of potential interest for the developing countries.     

Training opportunities in remote sensing in India

The paper deals with the Indian experience in training the resources scientists in the fast developing field of remote sensing and the facilities available for obtaining such training in India. The necessity of imparting training to the scientists at different levels is brought out. An outline of the training curriculum of a leading institution is described in some detail.     

Remote sensing applications in the meteorology and operational hydrology programmes of WMO

Remote sensing from satellites continues to have a very large impact on the activities of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and continues to provide very great benefits to meteorological services throughout the world. Meteorological satellites provide remotely sensed data which can be converted into meteorological measurements such as cloud cover, cloud motion vectors, surface temperature, vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature and humidity, snow and ice cover, ozone and various radiation measurements. The meteorological satellites are part of the global operations of the World Weather Watch Programme which serves as the basic programme of the WMO by supporting other programmes and activities. Satellite measurements are critical to the success of many different components in the World Climate Programme. Special projects are being designed for the 1990s to take advantage of the data from satellite systems designed primarily to provide land or ocean observations. The Applications of Meteorology Programme makes use of remotely sensed data to provide products and services to agricultural, aeronautical and marine activities. The transfer of knowledge and technology in satellite remote sensing applications are important elements of the Technical Co-operation and the Education and Training Programmes.     

A decade of remote sensing in India — Some salient results

Remote sensing activities in India over the past decade are briefly described in the paper; some important application areas are explained. Some results are highlighted. Activities in India for building remote sensing spacecraft, sensors and ground segment are summarised. Some facilities in India for remote sensing applications including low cost interpretative equipment developed are described. The paper also outlines the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) series, the first of which is presently under development for launch in 1986 and the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) under evolution.     

Low cost training in remote sensing applications for developing countries

This presentation introduces the Polish Remote Sensing Centre /OPOLiS/, which offers various types of training possibilities in remote sensing techniques and applications. It deals with a wide range of applications and experiences reached by OPOLiS for various branches of national economy, as well as introduction to analog and digital satellite data processing possibilities with the existing equipment.The offered training possibilities include analog and digital data handling and its interpretation such as visual and computer assisted integration of multiple data sets, as well as image processing, enhancements, mosaics etc.It also includes training and applications of interpretations results for exploration of minerals, energy, and ground water resources, as well as inventories, monitoring and forecasting for agriculture, forest, and natural environmental purposes.The cost factor of the offered training possibilities includes a reasonable input from the Polish Government, which results in low cost input by the participants from developing countries. It also accepts the participation fee in non - convertible currency.     

Application of remote sensing techniques in mineral resources survey — a case study pertaining to Singhbhum Shear Zone,Bihar, India

Geological analysis and evaluation of digitally processed and enhanced LANDSAT MSS data products for three test areas of Singhbhum Shear Zone, India has led to certain significant results regarding optimisation and utility of such techniques for geological studies and obtaining additional/new information regarding lithology and structure. Three band-to-band ratio images are found to give best results. Lithologic formations could be subdivided into a number of units. The Westward and southeastward extension of the shear zone could be delineated thereby indicating scope of mineralisation in these parts.     

Feasibility study of ocean color remote sensing for detecting ballast water

The paper describes the feasibility of ballast water detection with SeaWiFS-derived diffuse attenuation coefficients and the corresponding number of in situ plankton cell density along the ship’s routes. Onboard sampling of the ballast water have been carried out by the LNG carrier of 110,000 gross tons during the six cruises between Japan and Qatar from May 2002 to July 2003. SeaWiFS images of the ballast water exchange areas along the ship’s route were acquired and processed by using SeaDAS. Based on the plankton analysis of the sampled ballast water, phytoplankton and zooplankton species were identified and their numbers of cell were counted for each ballast water exchange. It is found out that the observed cell density is highly correlated with the corresponding SeaWiFS-derived diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm (K(490)). By using this correlation the criterion of 10 cells/ml imposed by IMO regulations corresponds to 0.24 m⁻¹ of K(490). It is expected that this value of K(490) will be the criterion of future satellite-based ballast water quality standard.     

Dielectric properties and microwave remote sensing

The importance of the dielectric properties of earth, ocean and snow surfaces in microwave remote sensing is reviewed. Data on dielectric properties of materials in the microwave frequency range are very scarce and their behaviour is not fully understood. In this paper the need for dielectric properties of ocean and snow surfaces, the earth's surface and subsurface materials is discussed for the quantitative and qualitative interpretation of microwave remote sensing data of developing countries.     

Application of space sciences to hydrology and water resources: The potential and practical use as reflected by WMO experience

Observations from spacecraft have already proved their worth in a number of fields and much work has been undertaken to develop their use in studies of hydrology and water resources. The ability to obtain areal estimates of parameters over large areas as opposed to only point values and the inherent computer-compatibility of the data obtained are only two of the many advantages which may be stressed. However, any new technology requires the expenditure of scarce financial resources, not only on the system itself but also on associated activities. A full use of space observations in hydrology and water resources will require major changes in existing data collection, storage and processing systems. The net benefits to be gained from such changes must first be demonstrated to those responsible for these systems. A dialogue should therefore be established between those supplying the data and investigating their potential uses, and those actually engaged in the assessment and management of water resources. Examples are offered of projects in which space observations are being used and information is given on requirements for work in hydrology and water resources for data acquired by space observation.     

First results of the IUGS-UNESCO programme on geological applications of remote sensing (GARS) in Eastern Africa

The first phase of the GARS programme on the Kibaran belt of Eastern Africa is a follow-up of the CODATA project on multisatellite thematic mapping in Tanzania. An interpretation of a Thematic Mapper image has been carried out in terms of vegetation, soils, structure and lithology, for identification of targets that will be controlled on ground. The second phase (1987–1988) will focus on lithologic discrimination on the Kibaran formations in Central Burundi.     

The possibilities of polar meteorology,environmental remote sensing,communications and space weather applications from Artificial Lagrange Orbit

The ability to observe meteorological events in the polar regions of the Earth from satellite celebrated an anniversary, with the launch of TIROS-I in a pseudo-polar orbit on 1 April 1960. Yet, after 50 years, polar orbiting satellites are still the best view of the polar regions of the Earth. The luxuries of geostationary satellite orbit including rapid scan operations, feature tracking, and atmospheric motion vectors (or cloud drift winds), are enjoyed only by the middle and tropical latitudes or perhaps only cover the deep polar regions in the case of satellite derived winds from polar orbit. The prospect of a solar sailing satellite system in an Artificial Lagrange Orbit (ALO, also known as “pole sitters”) offers the opportunity for polar environmental remote sensing, communications, forecasting and space weather monitoring. While there are other orbital possibilities to achieve this goal, an ALO satellite system offers one of the best analogs to the geostationary satellite system for routine polar latitude observations.     

Estimation of phytoplankton production by remote sensing

A new theory of water column photosynthesis as a function of surface light is summarised. The leading parameter is initial slope of the photosynthesis-light curve. It may be possible to estimate this parameter by remote sensing using the Fluorescence Line Imager. Obstacles to the routine implementation of the theory are discussed. The relationship of the new theory to regression models of primary production is discussed.     

Determination of reconnected flux via remote sensing

Magnetic reconnection is one of the most fundamental processes in the magnetosphere. We present here a simple method to determine the essential parameters of reconnection such as reconnected flux and location of the reconnection site out of single spacecraft data via remote sensing. On the basis of a time-dependent reconnection model, the dependence of the reconnected flux on the magnetic field z-component B_z is shown. The integral of B_z over time is proportional to the reconnected flux and depends on the distance between the reconnection site and the actual position where B_z is measured. This distance can be estimated from analysis of magnetic field B_z data. We apply our method to Cluster measurements in the Earth’s magnetotail.     

基于流的遥感图像超分辨率重建

为了提高遥感图像超分辨率重建的质量,提出了一种基于流的遥感图像重建算法。首先,在Glow模型的基础上引入改进后的RRDB架构用于低分辨率图像特征提取,通过构建更多层和连接以提升训练的稳定性。然后,以一种纯数据驱动的流模型来训练分布的参数,通过最大化负的对数似然的方法进行优化,得到该算法的损失函数。实验证明该模型在网络训练过程中能够快速达到稳定收敛的状态,且具有很强的泛化能力。用重建出的图像质量对比SRCNN、SRGAN、ESRGAN,经过测试后发现,提出的算法远远优于SRCNN算法,与其他算法相比也有明显优势。重建出的图像不仅在指标上有所提升,例如与SRCNN相比,PSRN和SSIM分别提升了15%和40%,且人眼观察时有更高的清晰度,高频细节更为丰富。     

The use of remote sensing in global biosystem studies

Remote sensing techniques, if properly employed, offer definite advantages to studies of the Earth's environment and resources on a global scale. A remote sensing strategy is presented for selective sampling of the properties and changes in the atmosphere, the oceans and on land in support of global biosystems research as proposed by NASA, including mineral cycling, ocean and terrestrial productivity, perturbation effects and biospheric responses. It is shown that remote sensors on satellites and aircraft should be used to update existing data bases and to monitor areas of high productivity or rapid change, rather than attempting to produce a costly inventory of all biosphere resources and processes.     

Different atmospheric effects in remote sensing of uniform and nonuniform surfaces

The atmospheric effect on the radiance of sunlight scattered from the Earth-atmosphere system is greatly dependent on the surface reflectance pattern, the contrast between adjacent fields, and the optical properties of the atmosphere. In addition, the atmospheric effect is described by the range and magnitude of the adjacency effects, the atmospheric modulation transfer function, and the apparent spatial resolution of remotely sensed imagery. This paper discusses the atmospheric effect on classification of surface features and shows that surface nonuniformity can be used for developing procedures to remove the atmospheric effect from the satellite imagery.     

Applicationof remote sensing techniques in geological studies of various mineralized belts in India. (National paper on IGCP — 143)

Geological interpretation, analysis and evaluation of LANDSAT and airborne MSS data, panchromatic and colour infrred photographs and spectral reflectance data for a number of test sites in different mineralized belts in India have led to certain significant results. Lithological discrimination on digitally processed enhanced MSS data products has helped in further subdivisions of major rock groups. Lineament pattern analyses reveals three prominent sets of fractures in Indian Precambrian Shield with predominant ENE-WSW megalineament probably representing earliest deep crustal fractures and subsequent NNW-SSE and NE-SW fractures, associated with polyphase tectonic movements. Correlation of structures and mineralization indicate structural control for most of the mineralized belts with intersecting locii type concentration of ore deposits in some cases. In a few cases control of mineralization is lithology and stratigraphy. Spectral groundtruth and laboratory studies indicate that major rock types have characteristic spectral patterns (signatures) which would be useful for lithological mapping by automatic classification techniques. The work also has led to the improvement of enhanced MSS data products for geological studies.     

高光谱遥感地形影响建模与仿真

针对地形起伏对高光谱遥感图像几何变形和辐射变化的影响,建立高光谱遥感地形影响模型.该模型利用传感器位置、姿态和视场角建立模拟图像像元坐标和地面空间坐标之间的成像几何关系,利用地表反射率、数字高程模型等数据,考虑大气辐射传输过程,计算起伏地形下传感器入瞳辐亮度图像,并经过空间分辨率转换,生成最终遥感模拟图像,实现高光谱遥感地形影响精确建模.利用西藏驱龙地区Hyperion数据和其它相关数据进行仿真分析,将模拟图像和原始图像进行对比,结果比较吻合,表明该模型具有较好的模拟效果.     

Responses to satellite remote sensing opportunities in East and Southern Africa

Since 1978 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded a regional remote sensing project for East and Southern Africa. The project, hosted by the Regional Centre for Services in Surveying Mapping and Remote Sensing, has provided a programme of training courses, user services and project support. This included the equipping and establishment of a photo-laboratory complex for processing Landsat images and the provision of advice and support for agencies undertaking natural resources analysis.Response to the training programme has been very good. Courses are usually over subscribed and there is a continued demand for training. Assessments of the courses by participants are highly positive and the courses have featured consultants of international calibre. Requests for follow-up courses, and for specialist group training indicate a strong response to this training activity. User services are active, consultations with staff, use of the browse file and interpretation equipment and the purchase of data for project work all produce an average demand of 12 active enquiries per working week. The photo-laboratory is particularly active and demand for products exceeds available capacity.Project work is now being supported but limited resources restrict the range and amount of project activity. Response to the opportunities offered for projects has been favourable and this activity is ripe for expansion. The difficulty in expanding to meet the expressed demand is primarily financial. The east and southern Africa region is not economically strong and has a great need for natural resources data for development work and planning. The responses to satellite remote sensing opportunities will be limited by these financial constraints which effectively means by the level of international aid directed to this activity. For such aid to be effective it must be coordinated and firmly attached to the region. Such coordinated aid programmes would avoid fragmentation of distribution and applications work. Fragmentation could seriously disrupt the present growth in natural resources activity based on remote sensing data from satellites. The lack of financing for a regional ground receiving station is also a significant limiting factor.