Ciencia, Inc. created a new device, known as a Portable Photosynthesis Analyzer, or Phase Fluorometer, that provides real-time data about the photochemical efficiency of phytoplankton and other plant forms. The commercial version of this technology is used for photosynthesis research and offers major benefits to the field of life science. This new instrument is the first portable instrument of its kind. Through a license agreement with Ciencia, Oriel Instruments, of Stratford, Connecticut,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BIOMASS, CHLOROPHYLLS, DETECTION, FLUORESCENCE, PHOTOCHEMICAL...
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CITIES, IMAGERY, LANDSAT 1, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, LAND USE,...
Streamflow monitoring in Verde River by ERTS-1 data collection system (DCS)
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ARIZONA, RIVERS, WATER FLOW, DATA ACQUISITION, EARTH...
Predictive ecological models are being studied for the management and conservation of the walrus, and the bowhead whale in the Bering Sea. The influence of sea ice on the distribution, and carrying capacity of the area for these two mammals is to be investigated with the primary target species being the walrus. Remote sensing and radio tracking is considered a requirement for assessing the walrus ecosystem.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BERING SEA, ECOSYSTEMS, WHALES, MAMMALS, MARINE BIOLOGY,...
The problem considered was transformation of a unidirectional apparent ocean wave spectrum observed from an aircraft sensor platform into the true spectrum that would be observed from a stationary platform. Spectral transformation equations were developed in terms of the linear wave dispersion relationship and the wave group speed. An iterative solution to the equations was outlined and used to transform reference theoretical apparent spectra for several assumed values of average water depth....
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), OCEAN DATA ACQUISITIONS SYSTEMS, REMOTE SENSORS, WATER WAVES,...
To assist the U.S. Geological Survey in carrying out a Congressional mandate to investigate the use of side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) for resources exploration, a research program was conducted to define the contribution of SLAR imagery to structural geologic mapping and to compare this with contributions from other remote sensing systems. Imagery from two SLAR systems and from three other remote sensing systems was interpreted, and the resulting information was digitized, quantified and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ALASKA, DATA INTEGRATION, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS,...
Imaginary hyperbolic grid patterns formed by three local AM broadcasting stations were utilized in study. Each hyperbola is defined by constant phase difference between arbitrary signals integrally related to those coming from two stations. When three stations are used, grid is formed covering area with intersecting hyperbolas.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AUTOMOBILES, MONITORS, POLICE, POSITION (LOCATION), RADIO...
Antenna characteristics (active and passive) for a modified AAFE-RADSCAT parabolic dish antenna are documented for a variety of antenna configurations. The modified antenna was a replacement for the original unit which was damaged in January 1975. Pattern measurements made at Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center are presented, with an analysis of the results. Antenna loss measurements are also presented and summarized.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ANTENNA DESIGN, PARABOLIC ANTENNAS, REMOTE SENSORS, ANTENNA...
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), GULF OF MEXICO, LAND USE, MISSISSIPPI, REMOTE SENSORS, EARTH...
Specifications are given for the 400 MHz, the 1.6 GHz, and 13.3 GHz scatterometers used in the Joint Soil Moisture Experiment.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), REMOTE SENSORS, SCATTEROMETERS, SOIL MOISTURE, AIRBORNE...
The Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) dual-polarization X and L band radar was flown to acquire radar imagery over the Phoenix (Arizona) test site. The site was covered by a north-south pass and an east-west pass. Radar response to soil moisture was investigated. Since the ERIM radar does not have accurately measured antenna patterns, analysis of the L band data was performed separately for each of several strips along the flight line, each corresponding to a narrow angle of...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), RADAR IMAGERY, SOIL MOISTURE, ANTENNA RADIATION PATTERNS,...
A system of processing remotely sensed multispectral scanner data by computer programs to produce color-coded land use maps for large areas is described. The procedure is explained, the software and the hardware are described, and an analogous example of the procedure is presented. Detailed descriptions of the multispectral scanners currently in use are provided together with a summary of the background of current land use mapping techniques. The data analysis system used in the procedure and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EARTH RESOURCES, LAND USE, MULTISPECTRAL BAND SCANNERS,...
Simple analytical models are presented of the radiometric and statistical processes that are involved in multispectral data acquisition and classification. Also presented are basic system topologies which combine remote sensing with data classification. These models and topologies offer a preliminary but systematic step towards the use of computer simulations to analyze remote multispectral data acquisition and classification systems.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), DATA ACQUISITION, DATA PROCESSING, MULTISPECTRAL BAND...
Current loop circuitry replaced Wheatstone bridge circuitry to signal-condition strain gage transducers in more than 350 data channels for two different test programs at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The uncorrected test data from current loop circuitry had a lower noise level than data from comparable Wheatstone bridge circuitry, were linear with respect to gage-resistance change, and were uninfluenced by varying lead-wire resistance. The current loop channels were easier for the...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CIRCUITS, STRAIN GAGES, SIGNAL PROCESSING, ELECTRICAL...
As a preliminary step to developing a technique to eliminate the topographic effect from remotely sensed data, two radiance simulation models were examined and compared. A Lambertian and a non-Lambertian model were tested using hand-held radiometer measurements from a uniform surface at different slope angle aspect orientations. Linear correlation coefficients for the non-Lambertian model and the field spectra were calculated to be greater than 0.92 for all cases; whereas correlation...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MATHEMATICAL MODELS, MULTISPECTRAL PHOTOGRAPHY, RADIANCE,...
The results of a study to determine the support requirements for remote sensor systems on unmanned planetary flyby and orbiter missions are presented. Sensors and experiment groupings for selected missions are also established. Computer programs were developed to relate measurement requirements to support requirements. Support requirements were determined for sensors capable of performing required measurements at various points along the trajectories of specific selected missions.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), FLYBY MISSIONS, GRAPHS (CHARTS), REMOTE SENSORS, SUPPORT...
The overall corn blight watch experiment data flow is described and the organization of the LARS/Purdue data center is discussed. Data analysis techniques are discussed in general and the use of statistical multispectral pattern recognition methods for automatic computer analysis of aircraft scanner data is described. Some of the results obtained are discussed and the implications of the experiment on future data communication requirements for earth resource survey systems is discussed.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BLIGHT, CORN, DATA PROCESSING, DATA SYSTEMS, REMOTE SENSORS,...
The design of optimum filtering procedures for geoid recovery is discussed. Statistical error bounds are obtained for pointing angle estimates using average waveform data. A correlation of tracking loop bandwidth with magnitude of pointing error is established. The impact of ocean currents and precipitation on the received power are shown to be measurable effects. For large sea state conditions, measurements of sigma 0 deg indicate a distinct saturation level of about 8 dB. Near-nadir less than...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), RADIO ALTIMETERS, REMOTE SENSORS, SATELLITE-BORNE RADAR,...
An interdisciplinary approach to use remote sensor for the inventory of natural resources is discussed. The areas under investigation are land use, determination of pollution sources and damage, and analysis of geologic structure and terrain. The geographical area of primary interest is the Susquehanna River Basin. Descriptions of the data obtained by aerial cameras, multiband cameras, optical mechanical scanners, and radar are included. The Earth Resources Technology Satellite and Skylab...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, EARTH RESOURCES, MULTISPECTRAL...
Previsual detection of Fomes annosus in pine plantations was studied. Detailed analyses of photographic imagery obtained over the Ann Arbor Test Site during 1969 and 1970 reveal that the Ektachrome Infrared film was superior to Ektachrome Aerographic, Infrared Aerographic, or Plus-X Aerographic films for detecting Fomes annosus damage. Of far more significance in controlling the accuracy of damage detection, however, was the experience of the photo interpreter. Ratio-processing of multispectral...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MORPHOLOGY, REMOTE SENSORS, STRESS (PHYSIOLOGY), TREES...
Remotely sensed unit is assigned to category by merely looking up its channel readings in four-dimensional table. Approach makes it possible to process multispectral scanner data using a minicomputer.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ALGORITHMS, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, FORTRAN, MINICOMPUTERS,...
Research on the application of remote sensing techniques to the mineral industry stresses photointerpretation by human interpreter experienced in the extraction of geological information from aerial color and multiband photographs and from thermal scanner imagery. Also considered are optical and digital image enhancement, multiband color additive projection, video image processing, and computer reduction and analysis of infrared spectrometry. Evaluation of those parameters which have the most...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MINERAL EXPLORATION, MULTISPECTRAL PHOTOGRAPHY,...
Progress is reported for several projects involving the utilization of LANDSAT remote sensing capabilities. Areas under study include crop inventory, crop identification, crop yield prediction, forest resources evaluation, land resources evaluation and soil classification. Numerical methods for image processing are discussed, particularly those for image enhancement and analysis.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AGRICULTURE, EARTH RESOURCES, REMOTE SENSORS, ALGORITHMS,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE, ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS, PLUMES, REMOTE...
The development and demonstration of lidar techniques for the remote measurement of atmospheric constituents and transport processes in the lower troposphere was carried out. Particular emphasis was given to techniques for monitoring SO2 and particulates, the principal pollutants in power plant and industrial plumes. Data from a plume dispersion study conducted in Maryland during September and October 1976 were reduced, and a data base was assembled which is available to the scientific...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), OPTICAL RADAR, POLLUTION MONITORING, REMOTE SENSORS,...
An intruder detection system is described. The system contains a transmitter which sends a frequency modulated and amplitude modulated signal to a remote receiver in response to a geophone detector which responds to seismic impulses created by the intruder. The signal makes it possible for an operator to determine the number of intruders and the manner of movement.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ENEMY PERSONNEL, REMOTE SENSORS, TARGET ACQUISITION,...
The two-scale (small irregularities superimposed upon large undulations) scattering theory proposed by Semyonov was extended and used to compute microwave apparent temperature and the backscattering cross section from ocean surfaces. The effect of the small irregularities upon the scattering characteristics of the large undulations is included by modifying the Fresnel reflection coefficients; whereas the effect of the large undulations upon those of the small irregularities is taken into...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), INCOHERENT SCATTERING, MICROWAVE EMISSION, OCEAN SURFACE,...
The Nimbus-5 spacecraft carries infrared and microwave radiometers for sensing the temperature distribution of the atmosphere. Methods developed for obtaining temperature profiles from the combined set of infrared and microwave radiation measurements are described. Algorithms used to determine (a) vertical temperature and water vapor profiles, (b) cloud height, fractional coverage, and liquid water content, (c) surface temperature, and (d) total outgoing longwave radiation flux are described....
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), DATA PROCESSING, GLOBAL ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH PROGRAM, NIMBUS...
Review was made of past models for describing the reflectance and/or emittance properties of agricultural/forestry and geological targets in an effort to select the best theoretical models. An extension of the six parameter Allen-Gayle-Richardson model was chosen as the agricultural plant canopy model. The model is used to predict the bidirectional reflectance of a field crop from known laboratory spectra of crop components and approximate plant geometry. The selected geological model is based...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), FARM CROPS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, MINERALS, ROCKS, SURFACE...
The importance of specific spectral regions to signature extension is explored. In the recent past, the signature extension task was focused on the development of new techniques. Tested techniques are now used to investigate this spectral aspect of the large area survey. Sets of channels were sought which, for a given technique, were the least affected by several sources of variation over four data sets and yet provided good object class separation on each individual data set. Using sets of...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MULTISPECTRAL BAND SCANNERS, REMOTE SENSORS, SIGNATURE...
Following the emergence of the European Community as a unified trading and economic entity, the various member states are required to follow certain directives governing their social affairs. Many of these directives concern the quality of the air we breathe, and the water that we use for consumption or in industrial processes. In order to comply with these directives a major overhaul of the water industry in the UK was required. For example, in many coastal towns and resorts there has never...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AIR POLLUTION, AMMONIA, ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, ION...
The use of remote sensors for the detection of probable areas of disease infestation, and possibly as a tool in the control of these diseases, is discussed. Particular attention is given to malaria, encephalitis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The vector ecology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of these diseases are examined. The use of remote sensors to detect the presence of Red Tide is also discussed.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), DISEASES, PUBLIC HEALTH, RED TIDE, REMOTE SENSORS, DETECTION,...
Phytoplankton photosynthesis in the sun lit upper layer of the global ocean is the overwhelmingly dominant source of organic matter that fuels marine ecosystems. Phytoplankton contribute roughly half of the global (land and ocean) net primary production (NPP; gross photosynthesis minus plant respiration) and phytoplankton carbon fixation is the primary conduit through which atmospheric CO2 concentrations interact with the ocean s carbon cycle. Phytoplankton productivity depends on the...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CARBON CYCLE, CLIMATE, MARINE ENVIRONMENTS, OCEANS,...
This work deals with the challenge of online adaptive data collection in a time series. A remote sensor or explorer agent adapts its rate of data collection in order to track anomalous events while obeying constraints on time and power. This problem is challenging because the agent has limited visibility (all its datapoints lie in the past) and limited control (it can only decide when to collect its next datapoint). This problem is treated from an information-theoretic perspective, fitting a...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), REMOTE SENSORS, TIME SERIES ANALYSIS, ADAPTIVE CONTROL,...
The Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD) is a new airborne microwave remote sensor for hurricane observations that is currently under development by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in partnership with the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory/Hurricane Research Division, the University of Central Florida, the University of Michigan, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The instrument is being test flown in January and is expected to participate in or collaborate...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AIRBORNE EQUIPMENT, IMAGING TECHNIQUES, MICROWAVE...
A light-detection system for an optical radar, or lidar, unit to be used for remote temperature and composition measurements was designed, built, and bench tested. This detection system processes three return signal wavelengths: two Raman wavelengths, and the Rayleigh-Mie wavelength at 694.3 nanometers. Means of coping with photomultiplier tube instabilities and limitations are discussed. Circuits for gain control, ranging, and digitizing are included. The phototube gains can be switched fully...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), OPTICAL MEASUREMENT, OPTICAL RADAR, RAMAN SPECTRA,...
The applications of remote sensing techniques to spectral surveys of irrigation, crops, and soils are reported. Topics discussed include: (1) canopy temperature as an indication of plant water stress, (2) temperature of soils and of crop canopies differing in water conditions, (3) ERTS project, (4) spectrum matching and pattern recognition, (5) photographic procedures and interpretation, (6) interaction of light with plants, and (7) plant physiological and histological factors.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CROP GROWTH, IRRIGATION, REMOTE SENSORS, SPECTRAL...
The potential use is discussed of three remote sensors for developing a four level land use classification system. Three types of imagery for photointerpretation are presented: ERTS-1 satellite imagery, high altitude photography, and medium altitude photography. Suggestions are given as to which remote sensors and imagery scales may be most effectively employed to provide data on specific types of land use.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), LAND USE, PHOTOINTERPRETATION, REMOTE SENSORS, AERIAL...
University of California investigations to determine the usefulness of modern remote sensing techniques have concentrated on the water resources of the state. The studies consider in detail the supply, demand, and impact relationships.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CALIFORNIA, REMOTE SENSORS, WATER RESOURCES, COST ANALYSIS,...
The instrument constraints and interface specifications for the Earth Observatory Satellite (EOS) are discussed. The Land Use Classification Mission using a 7 band Thematic Mapper and a 4 band High Resolution Pointable Imager is stressed. The mission and performance of the instruments were reviewed and expanded to reflect the instrument as a part of the total remote sensing system. A preliminary EOS interface handbook is provided to describe the mission and system, to specify the spacecraft...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), LANDSAT E, LANDSAT F, REMOTE SENSORS, SATELLITE DESIGN,...
Various sensors were tested in terms of their ability to detect and discriminate among noxious aquatic macrophytes. A survey of researchers currently studying the problem and a brief summary of their work is included. Results indicated that the sensor types best suited to assessment of the aquatic environment are color, color infrared, and black-and-white infrared film, which furnish consistently high contrasts between aquatic plants and their surroundings.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), FLORIDA, LOUISIANA, MARINE RESOURCES, MISSISSIPPI, NEW YORK,...
There are no author-identified significant results in this report. The microdensitometer will be used to analyze data acquired by ERTS-1 imagery. The classification programs and software packages have been acquired and are being prepared for use with the information as it is received. Photo and digital tapes have been acquired for coverage of virtually 100 percent of the test site areas. These areas are located in South Dakota, Idaho, Missouri, and Kansas. Hass 70mm color infrared, infrared,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CROP IDENTIFICATION, IDAHO, IMAGERY, KANSAS, LAND USE,...
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), FORESTS, MANAGEMENT PLANNING, REMOTE SENSORS, RESOURCES...
During August of 1970 Mission 140 was flown with the NASA P3A aircraft over the Klondike Mining District, Nevada. High quality metric photography, thermal infrared imagery, multispectral photography and multichannel microwave radiometry were obtained. Geology and ground truth data are presented and relationships of the physical attributes of geologic materials to remotely sensed data is discussed. It is concluded that remote sensing data was valuable in the geologic evaluation of the Klondike...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, INFRARED IMAGERY, NEVADA, REMOTE...
The research to use remote sensing techniques for studying the continental shelf is reported. The studies reported include: (1) nearshore circulation in the vincinity of a natural tidal inlet; (2) identification of indicators of biological activity; (3) remote navigation system for tracking free drifting buoys; (4) experimental design of an estuaring tidal circulation; and (5) Skylab support work.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CONTINENTAL SHELVES, REMOTE SENSORS, SHORELINES, BUOYS,...
Instrument can be used to remotely determine complete spectrum of sizes of particles of unknown composition suspended in gas or liquid. Device does not required direct physical sample of particles.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AEROSOLS, COLLOIDS, LIGHT SCATTERING, OPTICAL MEASUREMENT,...
The ERTS program has been designed as a research and development tool to demonstrate that remote sensing from orbital altitudes is a feasible and practical approach to efficient management of earth resources. From this synoptic view and repetitive coverage provided by ERTS imagery of the Great Salt Lake area, large geological and structural features, trends, and patterns have been identified and mapped. A comparative analysis of lineaments observed in September and December data was conducted,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EARTH RESOURCES, GREAT LAKES (NORTH AMERICA), LANDSAT...
The Focus series has been developed to present basic remote sensing concepts in a simple, concise way. Issues currently available are collected here so that more people may know of their existance.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EDUCATION, MULTISPECTRAL BAND SCANNERS, PATTERN RECOGNITION,...
Satellite mounted microwave instruments and their use to measure surface pressure are investigated. Data cover instrument accuracy, atmospheric transmission, and meteorological parameter determinations.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT, PRESSURE MEASUREMENT, REMOTE SENSORS,...
The papers presented in the marine session may be broadly grouped into several classes: microwave region instruments compared to infrared and visible region sensors, satellite techniques compared to aircraft techniques, open ocean applications compared to coastal region applications, and basic research and understanding of ocean phenomena compared to research techniques that offer immediate applications.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EARTH RESOURCES PROGRAM, MARINE RESOURCES, SKYLAB PROGRAM,...
