scholarly journals New Orthophoto Generation Strategies from UAV and Ground Remote Sensing Platforms for High-Throughput Phenotyping

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 860
Author(s):  
Yi-Chun Lin ◽  
Tian Zhou ◽  
Taojun Wang ◽  
Melba Crawford ◽  
Ayman Habib
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Target Function ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Flowering Date ◽  
Sensing Platforms ◽  
Geolocation Accuracy ◽  
New Strategies

Remote sensing platforms have become an effective data acquisition tool for digital agriculture. Imaging sensors onboard unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and tractors are providing unprecedented high-geometric-resolution data for several crop phenotyping activities (e.g., canopy cover estimation, plant localization, and flowering date identification). Among potential products, orthophotos play an important role in agricultural management. Traditional orthophoto generation strategies suffer from several artifacts (e.g., double mapping, excessive pixilation, and seamline distortions). The above problems are more pronounced when dealing with mid- to late-season imagery, which is often used for establishing flowering date (e.g., tassel and panicle detection for maize and sorghum crops, respectively). In response to these challenges, this paper introduces new strategies for generating orthophotos that are conducive to the straightforward detection of tassels and panicles. The orthophoto generation strategies are valid for both frame and push-broom imaging systems. The target function of these strategies is striking a balance between the improved visual appearance of tassels/panicles and their geolocation accuracy. The new strategies are based on generating a smooth digital surface model (DSM) that maintains the geolocation quality along the plant rows while reducing double mapping and pixilation artifacts. Moreover, seamline control strategies are applied to avoid having seamline distortions at locations where the tassels and panicles are expected. The quality of generated orthophotos is evaluated through visual inspection as well as quantitative assessment of the degree of similarity between the generated orthophotos and original images. Several experimental results from both UAV and ground platforms show that the proposed strategies do improve the visual quality of derived orthophotos while maintaining the geolocation accuracy at tassel/panicle locations.

scholarly journals STATE-OF-THE-ART IN UAV REMOTE SENSING SURVEY – FIRST INSIGHTS INTO APPLICATIONS OF UAV SENSING SYSTEMS

2017 ◽  
Vol XLII-2/W6 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Aasen
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Spectral Data ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Proximal Sensing ◽  
Sensing Systems ◽  
Sensing Platforms ◽  
First Results ◽  
Spectral Sampling

UAVs are increasingly adapted as remote sensing platforms. Together with specialized sensors, they become powerful sensing systems for environmental monitoring and surveying. Spectral data has great capabilities to the gather information about biophysical and biochemical properties. Still, capturing meaningful spectral data in a reproducible way is not trivial. <br><br> Since a couple of years small and lightweight spectral sensors, which can be carried on small flexible platforms, have become available. With their adaption in the community, the responsibility to ensure the quality of the data is increasingly shifted from specialized companies and agencies to individual researchers or research teams. Due to the complexity of the data acquisition of spectral data, this poses a challenge for the community and standardized protocols, metadata and best practice procedures are needed to make data intercomparable. <br><br> In November 2016, the ESSEM COST action <i>Innovative optical Tools for proximal sensing of ecophysiological processes</i> (OPTIMISE; <a href=" http://optimise.dcs.aber.ac.uk/"target="_blank">http://optimise.dcs.aber.ac.uk/</a>) held a workshop on best practices for UAV spectral sampling. The objective of this meeting was to trace the way from particle to pixel and identify influences on the data quality / reliability, to figure out how well we are currently doing with spectral sampling from UAVs and how we can improve. Additionally, a survey was designed to be distributed within the community to get an overview over the current practices and raise awareness for the topic. This talk will introduce the approach of the OPTIMISE community towards best practises in UAV spectral sampling and present first results of the survey (<a href=" http://optimise.dcs.aber.ac.uk/uav-survey/"target="_blank">http://optimise.dcs.aber.ac.uk/uav-survey/</a>). <br><br> This contribution briefly introduces the survey and gives some insights into the first results given by the interviewees.

scholarly journals ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES OF UAV SFM MVS PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING: SHORT REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol XLII-3/W12-2020 ◽  
pp. 267-272
Author(s):  
E. F. Berra ◽  
M. V. Peppa
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Sensing Systems ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Remote Sensing Systems ◽  
Sensor Models

Abstract. Interest in Unnamed Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-sourced data and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View-Stereo (MVS) photogrammetry has seen a dramatic expansion over the last decade, revolutionizing the fields of aerial remote sensing and mapping. This literature review provides a summary overview on the recent developments and applications of light-weight UAVs and on the widely-accepted SfM - MVS approach. Firstly, the advantages and limitations of UAV remote sensing systems are discussed, followed by an identification of the different UAV and miniaturised sensor models applied to numerous disciplines, showing the range of systems and sensor types utilised recently. Afterwards, a concise list of advantages and challenges of UAV SfM-MVS is provided and discussed. Overall, the accuracy and quality of the SfM-MVS-derived products (e.g. orthomosaics, digital surface model) depends on the quality of the UAV data set, characteristics of the study area and processing tools used. Continued development and investigation are necessary to better determine the quality, precision and accuracy of UAV SfM-MVS derived outputs.

The problem of ballistic design of the space system Earth remote sensing in stable near-circular sun-synchronous orbits with long-term spacecraft lifetime

2018 ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
V. M. Artyushenko ◽  
D. Y. Vinogradov
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Target Function ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Space Systems ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Space System ◽  
Earth Remote Sensing ◽  
Synchronous Orbit ◽  
Favorable Conditions

The article deals with the issues related to the problem of ballistic design of the space system of remote sensing of the Earth on stable near-circular solar-synchronous orbits with long-term existence of spacecraft. We propose a rational method of maintaining a solar-synchronous orbit in given light conditions with prolonged active lifetime of space systems. In solving this problem, the total time of normal operation of the system for a given period of operation, during which the most favorable conditions for the use of spacecraft are provided on the main parts of orbits, is taken as a target function.

More accurate less meaningful? A critical physical geographer’s reflection on interpreting remote sensing land-use analyses

2021 ◽  
pp. 030913332199181
Author(s):  
Andreas Christian Braun
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Image Classification ◽  
Satellite Image ◽  
Physical Geography ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Scientific Results ◽  
Normative Considerations

Land-use and land-cover analyses based on satellite image classification are used in most, if not all, sub-disciplines of physical geography. Data availability and increasingly simple image classification techniques – nowadays, even implemented in simple geographic information systems – increase the use of such analyses. To assess the quality of such land-use analyses, accuracy metrics are applied. The results are considered to have sufficient quality, exceeding thresholds published in the literature. A typical practice in many studies is to confuse accuracy in remote sensing with quality, as required by physical geography. However, notions such as quality are subject to normative considerations and performative practices, which differ between scientific domains. Recent calls for critical physical geography have stressed that scientific results cannot be understood separately from the values and practices underlying them. This article critically discusses the specific understanding of quality in remote sensing, outlining norms and practices shaping it and their relation to physical geography. It points out that, as a seeming paradox, results considered more accurate in remote sensing terms can be less informative – or meaningful – in geographical terms. Finally, a roadmap of how to apply remote sensing land-use analyses more constructively in physical geography is proposed.

scholarly journals Drone-Based Remote Sensing for Research on Wind Erosion in Drylands: Possible Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 283
Author(s):  
Junzhe Zhang ◽  
Wei Guo ◽  
Bo Zhou ◽  
Gregory S. Okin
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Wind Erosion ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
High Resolution Imagery ◽  
Soil Elevation ◽  
3D Photogrammetry ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Sample Set

With rapid innovations in drone, camera, and 3D photogrammetry, drone-based remote sensing can accurately and efficiently provide ultra-high resolution imagery and digital surface model (DSM) at a landscape scale. Several studies have been conducted using drone-based remote sensing to quantitatively assess the impacts of wind erosion on the vegetation communities and landforms in drylands. In this study, first, five difficulties in conducting wind erosion research through data collection from fieldwork are summarized: insufficient samples, spatial displacement with auxiliary datasets, missing volumetric information, a unidirectional view, and spatially inexplicit input. Then, five possible applications—to provide a reliable and valid sample set, to mitigate the spatial offset, to monitor soil elevation change, to evaluate the directional property of land cover, and to make spatially explicit input for ecological models—of drone-based remote sensing products are suggested. To sum up, drone-based remote sensing has become a useful method to research wind erosion in drylands, and can solve the issues caused by using data collected from fieldwork. For wind erosion research in drylands, we suggest that a drone-based remote sensing product should be used as a complement to field measurements.

scholarly journals Leveraging TLS as a Calibration and Validation Tool for MLS and ULS Mapping of Savanna Structure and Biomass at Landscape-Scales

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun R. Levick ◽  
Tim Whiteside ◽  
David A. Loewensteiner ◽  
Mitchel Rudge ◽  
Renee Bartolo
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Calibration And Validation ◽  
Savanna Vegetation ◽  
Landscape Scales

Savanna ecosystems are challenging to map and monitor as their vegetation is highly dynamic in space and time. Understanding the structural diversity and biomass distribution of savanna vegetation requires high-resolution measurements over large areas and at regular time intervals. These requirements cannot currently be met through field-based inventories nor spaceborne satellite remote sensing alone. UAV-based remote sensing offers potential as an intermediate scaling tool, providing acquisition flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Yet despite the increased availability of lightweight LiDAR payloads, the suitability of UAV-based LiDAR for mapping and monitoring savanna 3D vegetation structure is not well established. We mapped a 1 ha savanna plot with terrestrial-, mobile- and UAV-based laser scanning (TLS, MLS, and ULS), in conjunction with a traditional field-based inventory (n = 572 stems > 0.03 m). We treated the TLS dataset as the gold standard against which we evaluated the degree of complementarity and divergence of structural metrics from MLS and ULS. Sensitivity analysis showed that MLS and ULS canopy height models (CHMs) did not differ significantly from TLS-derived models at spatial resolutions greater than 2 m and 4 m respectively. Statistical comparison of the resulting point clouds showed minor over- and under-estimation of woody canopy cover by MLS and ULS, respectively. Individual stem locations and DBH measurements from the field inventory were well replicated by the TLS survey (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 0.024 m), which estimated above-ground woody biomass to be 7% greater than field-inventory estimates (44.21 Mg ha−1 vs 41.08 Mg ha−1). Stem DBH could not be reliably estimated directly from the MLS or ULS, nor indirectly through allometric scaling with crown attributes (R2 = 0.36, RMSE = 0.075 m). MLS and ULS show strong potential for providing rapid and larger area capture of savanna vegetation structure at resolutions suitable for many ecological investigations; however, our results underscore the necessity of nesting TLS sampling within these surveys to quantify uncertainty. Complementing large area MLS and ULS surveys with TLS sampling will expand our options for the calibration and validation of multiple spaceborne LiDAR, SAR, and optical missions.

scholarly journals Estimating Forest Canopy Cover by Multiscale Remote Sensing in Northeast Jiangxi, China

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 433
Author(s):  
Xiaolan Huang ◽  
Weicheng Wu ◽  
Tingting Shen ◽  
Lifeng Xie ◽  
Yaozu Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Google Earth ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Landsat Data ◽  
High Resolution Data ◽  
Modis Ndvi ◽  
Tree Canopy Cover

This research was focused on estimation of tree canopy cover (CC) by multiscale remote sensing in south China. The key aim is to establish the relationship between CC and woody NDVI (NDVIW) or to build a CC-NDVIW model taking northeast Jiangxi as an example. Based on field CC measurements, this research used Google Earth as a complementary source to measure CC. In total, 63 sample plots of CC were created, among which 45 were applied for modeling and the remaining 18 were employed for verification. In order to ascertain the ratio R of NDVIW to the satellite observed NDVI, a 20-year time-series MODIS NDVI dataset was utilized for decomposition to obtain the NDVIW component, and then the ratio R was calculated with the equation R = (NDVIW/NDVI) *100%, respectively, for forest (CC >60%), medium woodland (CC = 25–60%) and sparse woodland (CC 1–25%). Landsat TM and OLI images that had been orthorectified by the provider USGS were atmospherically corrected using the COST model and used to derive NDVIL. R was multiplied for the NDVIL image to extract the woody NDVI (NDVIWL) from Landsat data for each of these plots. The 45 plots of CC data were linearly fitted to the NDVIWL, and a model with CC = 103.843 NDVIW + 6.157 (R2 = 0.881) was obtained. This equation was applied to predict CC at the 18 verification plots and a good agreement was found (R2 = 0.897). This validated CC-NDVIW model was further applied to the woody NDVI of forest, medium woodland and sparse woodland derived from Landsat data for regional CC estimation. An independent group of 24 measured plots was utilized for validation of the results, and an accuracy of 83.0% was obtained. Thence, the developed model has high predictivity and is suitable for large-scale estimation of CC using high-resolution data.

scholarly journals The Quality of Remote Sensing Optical Images from Acquisition to Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Massimo Selva
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Optical Sensors ◽  
Constant Increase ◽  
Optical Images

The need to observe and characterize the environment leads to a constant increase of the spatial, spectral, and radiometric resolution of new optical sensors [...]

scholarly journals Predicting Aedes aegypti infestation using landscape and thermal features

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Lorenz ◽  
Marcia C. Castro ◽  
Patricia M. P. Trindade ◽  
Maurício L. Nogueira ◽  
Mariana de Oliveira Lage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Thermal Features

AbstractIdentifying Aedes aegypti breeding hotspots in urban areas is crucial for the design of effective vector control strategies. Remote sensing techniques offer valuable tools for mapping habitat suitability. In this study, we evaluated the association between urban landscape, thermal features, and mosquito infestations. Entomological surveys were conducted between 2016 and 2019 in Vila Toninho, a neighborhood of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, in which the numbers of adult female Ae. aegypti were recorded monthly and grouped by season for three years. We used data from 2016 to 2018 to build the model and data from summer of 2019 to validate it. WorldView-3 satellite images were used to extract land cover classes, and land surface temperature data were obtained using the Landsat-8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). A multilevel negative binomial model was fitted to the data, which showed that the winter season has the greatest influence on decreases in mosquito abundance. Green areas and pavements were negatively associated, and a higher cover of asbestos roofs and exposed soil was positively associated with the presence of adult females. These features are related to socio-economic factors but also provide favorable breeding conditions for mosquitos. The application of remote sensing technologies has significant potential for optimizing vector control strategies, future mosquito suppression, and outbreak prediction.

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