This book opens a new pathway for global mapping that is focused on a specific land use theme, such as irrigated or rain-fed croplands and classes within these themes. Since croplands use most of the water consumed by humans, specific knowledge of irrigated and rain-fed croplands will be critical for precise estimates of water use. At present and in the coming decades, irrigated and rain-fed cropland area mapping is
crucial for food security studies. Throughout this book, various subjects pertaining to global croplands are discussed comprehensively.

ABSTRACT

In the current study we proposed a new band ratio combination by using Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) image. The new proposed band ratio hasbeen tested for its effectiveness in four regions in the study area. This proposedband ratio (5/3, 3/1, 7/5 in RGB respectively) with the help of supervisedclassification technique were succeeded in discrimination of different types ofrock units. The results revealed that by using the proposed band ratio it was soeffective to discriminate different granitic phases (Kadabora region); serpentinitesfrom metasediments and sheared granites (El Mayite region); mollase type Hammamat sediments from metavolcanics and metasediments (Wadi El-Miyahregion); and serpentinites from metavolcanics (El-Baramiya region). The resultsdemonstrate the accuracy and suitability of using this band ratio as a powerfultool in lithological mapping and the data was verified by field investigation andprevious studies.

Remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object (Lillesand and Keifer, 1994). Remotely sensed data can be of many forms, including variations in force distribution, acoustic wave distribution or electromagnetic energy distributions and can be obtained from a variety of platforms, including satellite, airplanes, remotely pilot vehicles, handheld radiometers or even bucket trucks. They may be gathered by different devices, including sensors, film camera, digital cameras, video recorders. Our eyes acquire data on variations in electromagnetic radiations. Instruments capable of measuring electromagnetic radiation are called sensors. Sensors can be differentiated in two main groups.

Introduction

Satellite remote sensing technology and the science associated with the evaluation of the resulting data are constantly evolving. To meet the growing needs related tothis industry, a team of personnel that understands the fundamental science as well asthe scientific applications related to remote sensing is essential. Therefore, the futureworkforce that will excel in this field requires individuals who not only have a strongacademic background, but have practical hands-on experience with remotely senseddata, and have developed knowledge of its real-world applications. NASA’s DEVELOPProgram has played an integral role in fulfilling this need.

A b s t r a c t

Management of river salt loads in a complex and highly regulated river basin such as the San Joaquin River Basin of California presents significant challenges for current Information Technology. Computerbased numerical models are used as a means of simulating hydrologic processes and water quality withinthe basin and can be useful tools for organizing Basin data in a structured and readily accessible manner. These models can also be used to extend information derived from environmental sensors within existing monitoring networks to areas outside these systems based on similarity factors – since it would be cost prohibitive to collect data for every channel or pollutant source within the Basin. A common feature of all hydrologic and water quality models is the ability to perform mass balances. This paper describes the use of a number of state-of-the-art sensor technologies that have been deployed to obtain water and salinity mass balances for a 60,000 ha tract of seasonally managed wetlands in the San Joaquin River Basin of California.

A B S T R A C T

A satellite retrieval of surface solar irradiance based on METEOSAT SEVIRI-derived cloud properties is presented and validated for the Netherlands with one year of pyranometer measurements from 35 stations. The approach requires two independent steps: 1. Cloud properties are determined from narrow-band satellite radiances. 2. These cloud properties are used together with data onwater vapor column and surface albedo to calculate the atmospheric flux transmittance. The retrieved irradiance is biased low by about 3–4 W/m2 throughout the year, corresponding to an underestimate in atmospheric flux transmittance of about 0.015 in summer and 0.04 in winter. From a least-squares linear regression, residual standard deviations of 56 W/m2 (0.072, 17.0%), 11 W/m2 (0.052, 10.8%), and 4 W/m2 (0.021, 4.2%) are found for hourly, daily and monthly mean irradiance (transmittance, relative error), respectively. These findings indicate that the accuracy of the retrieval is comparable to first-class pyranometers in the summer half year (5% of daily-mean values), but significantly lower in winter. Two aspects requiring further investigation have been identified: 1. For thin clouds, the atmospheric flux transmittance is strongly underestimated. 2. The retrieval accuracy is reduced for snow-covered surfaces.

Abstract
We have developed novel integrated remote sensing and hydrodynamic simulation methods for cost effective design, evaluation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of wastewater disposal infrastructure. Wastewater diffusers are needed to meet minimum dilution requirements within a regulatory mixing zone, a limited region around the discharge structure where the initial dilution occurs. We have created new methods for the CORMIX software system to provide comprehensive analysis of point source mixing zones. The CorHyd internal diffuser hydraulics simulation tool is introduced for design and analysis of multiport discharges. We have developed new methods to assess diffuser infrastructure physical condition using various remote sensing technologies. Our patent-pending aerial remote sensing platform monitors mixing zone water quality and provides assessment of outfall physical condition through diffuser performance monitoring. Our approach integrates simulation and sensor networks to provide advanced information technology on wastewater disposal infrastructure to designers, consultants, regulators, facility managers, and maintenance crews.

Remote sensing is the science of obtaining and interpreting information from a distance, using sensors that are not in physical contact with the object being observed. Though you may not realize it, you are familiar with many examples. Biological evolution has exploited many natural phenomena and forms of energy to enable animals (including people) to sense their environment. Your eyes detect electromagnetic energy in the form of visible light. Your ears detect acoustic (sound) energy, while your nose contains sensitive chemical receptors that respond to minute amounts of airborne chemicals given off by the materials in our surroundings. Some research suggests that migrating birds can sense variations in Earth’s magnetic field, which helps explain their remarkable navigational ability.

ABSTRACT
LANDSAT ETM and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data from the coastal areas of Algeria were investigated in order to detect traces of earlier tsunami events. Digital image processing methods used to produce morphometric maps - such as hillshade, slope, minimum and maximum curvature maps based on the SRTM DEM data - contribute to the detection of morphologic traces that might be related to catastrophic tsunami events. These maps combined with LANDSAT ETM and seismotectonic data in a GIS environment allow the delineation of areas with potential tsunami risk. The evaluations of LANDSAT ETM imageries merged with digitally processed and enhanced SRTM data clearly show areas that must have been flooded in earlier times. In some cases morphological traces of flood waves as curvilinear scarps open to the seaside or traces of abrasion are clearly visible.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
Fernerkundungsdaten aus dem optischen und dem Mikrowellenbereich wurden hinsichtlich der Klassifizierung von Landnutzung und –degradation sowie der Siedlungserkennung ausgewertet, um damit einen flächenhaften und aktuellen Beitrag zu wasserwirtschaftlichen Problemen im südlichen Afrika zu  leisten. Neben der Entwicklung eines GIS-basierten Decision Support Systems unter Berücksichtigung von Wasserangebot, -qualität, -bedarf und - zuteilung der unterschiedlichen Nutzergruppen stand dabei die Simulation von Wasser- und Stoffflüssen unter Verwendung von physikalisch basierten Modellen mit Fernerkundungsinput im Vordergrund. Das Resultat, ein integriertes System zur nachhaltigen Wasserbewirtschaftung, ist ein innovatives computerbasiertes System, bestehend aus getesteten, validierten und dokumentierten Prozeduren, die die oben genannten Technologien umfassen.

Geospatial industry is firmly rooted in Middle East. Political will, abundant resources, high degree of awareness and aspiration to excel have made governments in the region to invest in latest applications, making it a fertile  ground for geospatial technologies.

One of the enduring impressions of any visit to the Middle East (ME) is the ‘forest’ of tower cranes. Building activity seems to be never ending in this part of the world. There is another activity, equally vigorous though not as visible and that is the building up of spatial data infrastructures in the states that make up the GCC. Beginning with Qatar, the efforts have spread to all the states and significant progress has been made. As Zul Jiwani points out, the necessary ingredients for this success are a patron, a field clear of the baggage of legacy, a receptive clientele and adequate financial resources. Understanding the user needs and catering to a variety of users from security agencies to the public drives many of these efforts. Each agency has its own way of meeting its user needs. As systems mature, so do users and the needs grow.

Project Backgrround:
The analysis of the City of Roanoke’s urban tree canopy (UTC) was carried out by the Virginia Department of Forestry in collaboration with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley— Alleghany Regional Commission. Assistance was provided by the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program (VGEP) at Virginia Tech’s Department of Forestry and by the Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) of the University of Vermont. The goal of the project was to apply the USDA Forest Service’s UTC assessment protocols to the City of Roanoke. This analysis was conducted based on year 2008 data.

Abstract:

Karas (Aquilaria malaccensis) is well known for producing gaharu, a fragrant material which is extremely valuable for cosmetic products manufacturing. Due to its un-permitted harvesting, there is an alarming depletion in the natural forests, which requires some forms of quick monitoring in near real time. A study on the spatial distribution of Karas trees in Bukit Nanas F.R., Federal Territory (FT) was therefore conducted to identify, quantify and map its geospatial distribution using an airborne hyperspectral sensor. Using a Sobel filter and Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) processing techniques, a digital geospatial distribution map with an accuracy of 89.47% showing 38 individual Karas trees was developed. This study demonstrated that individual Karas trees can be easily counted and mapped with an airborne hyperspectral sensor which may lead to possible estimation of gaharu production for its future sustainable management and conservation efforts in FT, Malaysia.

WELCOME TO THIS TUTORIAL, a training manual for learning the role of Remote Sensing - that aspect of space science and technology that relies mainly on sensors on satellites and mounted in telescopes to monitor Earth, other planetary bodies and distant stars and galaxies. (It also serves to review the so-called space programs [U.S. and international] in general and the history of space exploration in particular.) Observing the Earth will be the main focus of the Tutorial as this has the most obvious payoff for mankind. But while reaching to the edge of the Solar System and ultimately much farther out to the edge of the Universe seems mostly “academic”, we shall try to demonstrate why, in the long run, those extraterrestrial endeavors that depend on remote sensing may make the greatest contributions to useful knowledge of value to humankind’s future.

INTRODUCTION
This project is a demonstration of how to analyze climate projections from a Global Climate Model (GCM) in a Geographic Information System (GIS). This demonstration projects uses climate datasets generated by the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) for the IPCC 4th Assessment Report and distributed through the NCAR GIS Initiative Climate Change Scenarios portal in a GIS format. In this demonstration, we compare model output of a present day climate with future climate projections. Many atmospheric and land variables are available from the CCSM and the GIS Climate Change portal. Here, we demonstrate GIS-based analysis of the Northern hemisphere summer months’ temperature anomaly in 2030 with respect to the average summer temperatures of present-day climate. The demonstration is performed using ESRI ArcGIS software with an ArcInfo license.

1 EINLEITUNG
Aufgrund der rasanten technologischen Entwicklung der letzten Jahren, erlebten die Methoden der  Bildverarbeitung tiefgreifende Veränderungen, die sich auf die Art der Problemlösungen in der Fernerkundung auswirkten. (Ehlers, 1995) sieht die rasante Hardware- und Software-Entwicklung im GIS-Bereich (Geographische-Informations Systeme), die wachsende Verfügbarkeit an hochauflösenden Sensordaten und die Fortschritte in der Automation auf dem Feld der Bildanalyse als die bedeutensten Ursachen an. DenWissenschaftlern der Gegenwart stellt sich das Problem der anwachsenden Datenmengen, ihrer Kombination und der Auswahl des besten Datentypes zur L¨osung eines bestimmten Problems. Die Annahme, daß die Fernerkundung allein alle Probleme l¨osen kann ist falsch, denn zur Auswertung dieser Daten sind zusätzliche Informationen undWissen über die Natur der Objekte und ihrer Umwelt notwendig.