Evaluating seasonal variability as an aid to cover-type mapping from Landsat Thematic Mapper data in the northeast.

Abstract

Classification of forest cover types in the Northeast is a difficult task. The conplexity and variability in species contposition makes various cover types arduous to define and identify. This project entployed recent advances in spatial and spectral properties of satellite data, and the speed and potN/er of computers to evaluate seasonol varictbility os an aid to cover-type mapping from Landsat Thematic Mapper (ru) dato in New Hampshire. Dato fron May (bud break), September (leaf on), and October (senescence) were used to explore whether different lea.f phenology would improve our ability to generate forest-cover-type maps. The study area covers three counties in the southeastern corner ol New' Hampshire. A modified supervised/unsupervised approach was used to classify the cover types. A detailed accuracv ossessment was perfornted to evaluate the clossification. The results indicate that specific northeast hardwood species con be identified ond that tinte of the yeor can significanily offect the cover-type classification accuracy.

Department

Natural Resources and the Environment

Publication Date

3-1-1995

Journal Title

Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing,

Publisher

American Societv for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensrnu

Document Type

Article

Rights

©1995 American Societv for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensrnu

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