Kite Aerial Photography for Environmental Site Investigations

Authors

James S. Aber, Earth Science, and Rodney Sobieski, Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801.
Donald A. Distler, Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67208.
Matthew C. Nowak, Natural Resources, Ft. Leavenworth, KS 66027.

Aerial photographs taken from kites provide a versatile and low-cost means to acquire low-altitude, large-scale imagery for environmental site investigations. Kite aerial photographs (KAP) are typically taken from heights of 50-100 m using light-weight automatic cameras. Pictures may be acquired in vertical, low-oblique and high-oblique vantages. For accurate mapping, survey markers may be located with differential GPS equipment. Digital processing allows for resampling, enhancement, and analysis of images. Stereopairs and photo mosaics can be assembled for visual interpretation of site conditions.

We have utilized KAP for preliminary environmental investigations at two sites: 1) forest cover at Ft. Leavenworth military reservation in northeastern Kansas, and 2) stream erosion at Ninnescah Natural History area in south-central Kansas. At Ft. Leavenworth, oblique KAP views revealed the irregular structure and marked shadow effects within the canopy of upland deciduous forest. This information proved useful for interpreting satellite imagery in connection with a climate-forest study. At the Ninnescah study site, vertical KAP was the basis for accurate mapping of intricate, small, meandering stream channels and the locations of potholes within the drainage system. In both cases, KAP provided an intermediate level of observation between ground studies and conventional topographic maps, airphotos, or satellite images. Financial support provided by the Kansas NASA EPSCoR program.

Abstract for oral presentation at Kansas Academy of Science, annual meeting, 1998.

Return to NASA EPSCoR at Emporia State University, or go to KAP applications.
Posted on 2 June 1998.