"Using DataSlate to Interpret Remote Sensing Images"

By Gregory Paul Pavlik

Background:

Before students complete this laboratory they should know how operate DataSlate. An Introduction to Remote Sensing using DataSlate should give the students enough experience to complete this laboratory. In this Laboratory the student will use other features of DataSlate to help make remote sensing more understandable and allow them to make more detailed observations with DataSlate.

Materials Needed:

• CASDE "First" CD-ROM
• Computer with minimum requirements listed on the CD-ROM sleeve
• Notebook Paper

Procedures:

Follow all instructions listed by letter and answer all numbered questions.

A. Load and open the CASDE CD-ROM

B. Open DataSlate (Dslatepc) from inside your directory.

DataSlate will open to the color infrared image of Omaha NE on Channel 1.

1. Review question: What color do the areas that appear red on the infrared appear in the natural color image?

C. DataSlate has information to help students gain insight about remote sensing.

-Select "About Color IR" in your Channel 1 window under the Color infrared directory.

2. What does TM stand for?

3. At what altitude were these images taken from?

4. How is color infrared composite produced?

5. How is a RGB A natural color composite made?

Note: More of this information will be used later for this laboratory.

D.  Still using Channel 1, Select thematic mapper bands 1-7 and select Band 1.

Note how Band 1 appears. You will use this as your base observation when looking at the other Bands.

E.  Select Band 2

6. Compare the appearance of the Band 2 image to the Band 1 image. Write your observations down.

F.  Select Band 3

7a. Were there any changes when comparing Band 3 to Band 2?

7b. In general, how does the appearance of Band 3 compare to Band 1?

Note: You may toggle between bands quite easily for a better comparison. Don’t go by memory.

G.  Select Band 4

8. Compare Band 4 to the previous 3

H.  Select Band 5

9. Note any observed change.

I.  Select Band 7

10. How does Band 7 appear when compared to the previous 5 Bands.

J.  Select "About Thematic Mapper" on Channel 1.

11. Describe how Bands 1 - 7 are used and list some of what they are sensitive to.

Some are also sensitive to special things, be sure to include these to your list.

K.  Now choose a Band for Channel 1 and a different Band for Channel 2. Move Channel 2 image box around on the DataSlate.

12. Note the places on the image that are examples of your descriptions from question #11. Be sure to be as descriptive as you can.

Extra Credit

From the reading in "About Thematic Mapper" can you suggest why Band 6 was left off and only Bands 1-5 & 7 were used.

L.  Select Color Infrared on Channel 1 and Digital Elevation maps on Channel 2.

-Move your Channel 2 box around the image and make observations.

13a. The lighter the image the _____________ the elevation.

13b. The darker the image the _____________ the elevation.

M.  Move your Channel 1 image so that the metropolitan Omaha is in the lower right hand corner of your DataSlate image. Make sure that the Digital Elevation map is selected for Channel 2.

N.  Move the Channel 2 box to the right side of your DataSlate

14. What feature is the dark area found on the right side of the screen?

O.  Move your Channel 1 image so that most of your DataSlate image is the metropolitan Omaha area. Then move your Channel 2 box (Digital Elevation map) throughout the Channel 1 DataSlate image.

15. What do the root-like images represent?

16. Using a topographic map or some type of Nebraska atlas, find out what is found in these dark areas seen on the Channel 2 image.

17. Make a prediction, Where would lakes be found? In the dark areas or in the light areas?

-Check your prediction using DataSlate. Find a lake on Channel 1 and verify it using Channel 2.

Follow-Up Activity:

Based upon what you have learned about remote sensing using the Omaha Nebraska area open the images from Sacramento California and identify the landforms and features there.