Analysis of satellite images - Part 3


This exercise is divided into four parts and requires the use of LEOWorks.
 
We will now investigate the difference between the forest boundaries in 1994 and 2003. You can already find the digitised forest boundaries for both years.
The files showing these boundaries are themes in GIS.shp format:
  • Forest_boundary_1994.shp
  • Forest_boundary_2003.shp
Download the GIS themes here: GIS_themes.zip
Open FCC_1994_b432. Then go to GIS/GIS tools and select File>Open Theme and select the already downloaded and saved shape file Forest_boundary_1994.

To load the data in the viewer, an Input Projection has to be defined. Here LEOWorks will use the projection parameters embedded in the Landsat images.
  
 
 
Transformation method
 
Choose Edit>Properties in the GIS Tool for image... window to change the properties of the lines. You can change the colour, line, style, and thickness to make it more distinct. Change the colour of the Forest_boundary_1994 to yellow, and click Apply.
  
 
 
Theme Properties window
 
Open FCC_2003_b432. Now go to GIS/GIS tools and select File>Open Theme and select the shape file Forest_boundary_2003. Load the data in the viewer using the same projection parameters.
 
 
 
FCC image of 1994
 
 
 
 
FCC image of 2003
 
Study both images carefully and note down your observations. Start with a description of the general differences that you immediately see, then try answering the following questions:

1. Are there changes in the forest boundaries? If yes, where have these occurred?


There are areas within the forest boundaries without trees.

2. Can you spot them in the 2003 image?

3. What do you think is causing the changes in the boundary area?

4. What new land uses do you think are now being carried out in these areas?

5. What do you foresee as implications of the changes in forest boundaries?

6. Can you point to locations where the elephants are in conflict with humans?


Now, using the NDVI images, repeat Steps 12 to 14. Open NDVI_1994 and NDVI_2003 and overlay the forest boundaries for each year.
  
 
 
NDVI image of 1994
 
 
 
 
NDVI image of 2003
 
Study your results and write down your immediate observations.

7. What are the advantages of using NDVI images over combined images?

8. For example, is it easier to delineate and study the forest cover with an NDVI image, or with a combined image?

9. How do these two methods complement each other?


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Last update: 16 April 2013


Kameng-Sonitpur Elephant Reserve

 •  Introduction (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEM3DS0SAKF_0.html)
 •  Elephant Reserve (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMHNS0SAKF_0.html)
 •  Asian elephant (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMGRS0SAKF_0.html)
 •  Man vs elephant (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMXSS0SAKF_0.html)

Exercises

 •  Worksheet introduction (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEM29T0SAKF_0_ov.html)
 •  Paper map creation and study of Kameng-Sonitpur Elephant Reserve (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMUAT0SAKF_0.html)
 •  Analysis of satellite images (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEM0GT0SAKF_0.html)

Eduspace - Software

 •  LEOWorks 3 (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/LEOWorks3.exe)
 •  ArcExplorer (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/eduspace/ae2setup.zip)

Eduspace - Download

 •  ks_papermap.zip (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/eduspace/ks_papermap.zip)
 •  ks_satelliteimg.zip (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/eduspace/ks_satelliteimg.zip)

Resources

 •  Useful links (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Eduspace_Global_EN/SEMRHV0SAKF_0.html)