Space platform albedo measurements as indicators of change in arid lands

Advances in Space Research
By:

Links

Abstract

The change in albedo of arid lands is an indicator of changes in their condition and quality, including density of vegetative cover, erosion, deposition, surficial soil moisture, and man-made change. In general, darkening of an arid land surface indicates an increase in land quality while brightening indicates a decrease in quality, primarily owing to changes in vegetation. Landsat multiband images taken on different dates can be converted to black-and-white albedo images. Subtraction of one image from another, pixel by pixel, results in an albedo change map that can be density sliced to show areas that have brightened or darkened by selected percentages. These maps are then checked in the field to determine the reasons for the changes and to evaluate the changes in land condition and quality. The albedo change mapping technique has been successfully used in the arid lands of western Utah and northern Arizona and has recently been used for detection of coal strip mining activities in northern Alabama. ?? 1983.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Space platform albedo measurements as indicators of change in arid lands
Series title Advances in Space Research
DOI 10.1016/0273-1177(82)90217-4
Volume 2
Issue 8
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Advances in Space Research
First page 31
Last page 35
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details