Accurate, up-to-date(science quality) land cover maps do not exist for most areas of the world. They do not exist at global scales; nor do they exist at continental, national or local scales. This is equally true of both developed and developing nations. Land cover pattrns on the surface of the Earth change. Some changes are rapid, such as ruban sprawl. Other changes are slower such as the meandering of river channels cosuming agricultural lands. Researches at the University of California, anta Barbara are working with colleagues at the University of Maryland, College Park; the UNited States Geologfical Survey, earth Resource Observation System Data Center; and, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson space Center. We are proposing to test the capability of astronaut acuquuired photography to document and validate land cover change. Funding for the pilot phase of this project has been approved and research is underwavy to select appropriate sites in the Sothern United States. The overall objects of this effort are: 1. Evaluate the potential of astronaut acquired data for the validation of land cover maps; 2. Determine to what extent astronmaut acquired photography can assist in the identification of specific types of land cover change and the immediate local causes of such change; 3. Test the otential of astronaouts to acquire photography to provide data concerning scientifically interesting and/or culturally significant ephemeral events; and, 4. Assist in the design for an upgraded Window Observational Rack Facility (WORF). The goal of this effort is to demonstrate the utility of ISS for the collection of information o f value to researchers interested in documenting important land cover changes at scales from local to global. Using ISS data rom tropical and mid latitudes combined with information extracted rom polar orbiting satellites primarily from mid to high latitudes, we believe we can improve our ability to detect, document and validate important changes on the Earth's surface in a more timely and effective fashion. If proven correct, information generated could help environmental scientist, resource planners public policy decision makers and the public at large come to an improved level of understanding of the dynamic planet of which we live.
展开▼
