Kite Aerial Photography for Forest Assessment at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

Authors

James S. Aber, Earth Science Department, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801-5087.
John Harrington, Dept. of Geography, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.
Matthew C. Nowak, Natural Resources Director, 600 Thomas Ave., Ft. Leavenworth, KS 66027-1399.

Abstract

Kite aerial photography (KAP) is one kind of small-format aerial photography. KAP equipment has advantages of being easy to transport, simple to operate, and low in cost. High-resolution, low-height, airphotos may be taken frequently in order to document seasonal or ephemeral conditions. We acquired KAP during the spring seasons of 1997 and 1998 over mature, hardwood forest at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This forest is the subject of global-change research involving Landsat TM imagery, tree-ring records, and weather data. KAP revealed the forest has a closed canopy, which is rough at the scale of individual trees. Many shadows exist within the canopy. The shadows are sub-pixel sized and are not visible on Landsat TM imagery, however. On this basis, KAP images suggest sub-pixel sized shadows from taller trees likely produce lower NDVI values derived from Landsat TM data. Continuing investigations are underway with stereo and multiband photographic techniques.

Summary abstract for oral presentation at ASPRS annual convention, Portland, Oregon, May 17-21, 1999.

Return to NASA EPSCoR at Emporia State University.
Posted on 1 June 1999.