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Landsat-faciliated vegetation classification of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent areas, Alaska

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Abstract

A Landsat-based vegetation map was prepared for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent lands, 2 million and 2.5 million acres respectively. The refuge lies within the middle boreal sub zone of south central Alaska. Seven major classes and sixteen subclasses were recognized: forest (closed needleleaf, needleleaf woodland, mixed); deciduous scrub (lowland and montane, subalpine); dwarf scrub (dwarf shrub tundra, lichen tundra, dwarf shrub and lichen tundra, dwarf shrub peatland, string bog/wetlands); herbaceous (graminoid meadows and marshes); scarcely vegetated areas ; water (clear, moderately turbid, highly turbid); and glaciers.


The methodology employed a cluster-block technique. Sample areas were described based on a combination of helicopter-ground survey, aerial photo interpretation, and digital Landsat data. Major steps in the Landsat analysis involved: preprocessing (geometric connection), spectral class labeling of sample areas, derivation of statistical parameters for spectral classes, preliminary classification of the entree study area using a maximum-likelihood algorithm, and final classification through ancillary information such as digital elevation data.


The vegetation map (scale 1:250,000) was a pioneering effort since there were no intermediate-sclae maps of the area. Representative of distinctive regional patterns, the map was suitable for use in comprehensive conservation planning and wildlife management.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Landsat-faciliated vegetation classification of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent areas, Alaska
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Publisher location Falls Church, VA
Contributing office(s) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Description 13 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Pecora 10 Symposium
First page 333
Last page 345
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
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