Canadian Landsat studies for monitoring resource development: A summary

This report summarizes a major paper reviewing Canadian work using Landsat imagery for monitoring the environmental effects of the development of both renewable and non-renewable resources. Landsat has definite advantages for studying resources. In particular, the data are able to show changes in surface cover indicating in many cases development or the exploitation of resources. Monitoring of areas and rates of change over time is possible. Outlined in the paper are examples related to three aspects of resource development. First is the use of Landsat for updating topographic maps for areas where recent developments have taken place. The second aspect is forestry, and examples related to the detection and measurement of clear cuts and recording of areas affected by spruce budworm are reported. Finally, studies of landscape changes produced by mining activities are presented.