- Specifically, provide higher-resolution shape and slope characteristics of terrain than currently offered.
- Strategy
- Intelligently collect changes in terrain using robotic technology.

A model was developed within a GIS environment using the transverse spread pattern and GPS driving track
during spreading to map actual fertilizer application at any point in a paddock. The spreading vehicle required a GPS of sufficient accuracy in order to provide proof of placement and guidance assistance to the driver. The method was used to assess the effect of field size and shape on actual application rate and application variation. At a target application rate of 80 kg ha−1, measured application rates ranged from 51.8 to 106.7 kg ha−1 of urea (46% N) fertilizer over 102 paddocks on four farms. Average field variation calculated over all paddocks was 37.9%. Irregular-shaped paddocks were found to have higher application variation (40.8%) compared to regular-shaped paddocks (35.9%). Hot spot analysis was performed to identify areas receiving statistically significant high and low application rates.

Google Tech Talks May 1, 2007 ABSTRACT Introducing New Zealand’s Geospatial Research Centre Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Geospatial Research Centre (GRC) is a University-based group providing research and consultancy services in the fields of positioning and orientation, with particular expertise in sensor integration, image analysis, data visualisation and electronics.

Abstract
We developed flood simulation software, which works with geographic information systems, and applied the software to a flood-risk assessment of a commercial facility. The developed software provides an easy-to-use user interface, and rapidly and accurately simulates flood scenarios. Using the software, we assess risks at a facility of an entertainment complex. The facility is located on a flat plain surrounded by two rivers. Based on site investigations, three possible flood scenarios were considered. The simulations using the software revealed the most dangerous scenario; if a levee fails at the nearest river, then the water depth in the facility will be greater than 15 cm in just 10 minutes, and the water depth would rise to 50 cm in 1 hour.

ABSTRACT: Google Maps and Google Earth have put much of the functionality of Geographic Information Systems in the hands of the end users. Maritime users are just beginning to understand the power of map mashups that bring together diverse datasets to help mariners and those who manage the waterways to better understand the uses, risks, and impacts of vessel traffic on our nation’s waterways. I will present a number of data types ranging from raster images of ocean flow modeling, to vessel traffic over time captured by the marine Automatic Identification System, to real time right whale notices for  vessels approaching Boston Harbor.

The procedure of processing and utilising the soil information entering the SOTER system is tested on the pilot area of the Litoměřice district. The reliability of the archive data is examined, the archive data being updated by a new soil survey, modern (geo)statistical methods, and pedotransfer rules. Using the SOTER methodology, a soil map of the district with the scale of 1:50 000 has been developed. Proposals for the adjustments to the currently valid soil classification system are processed.

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.

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.

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 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.