Book Description

The purpose of this investigation was to research and document the application of remote sensing technology to wetland detection and mapping. Various remote sensing sensors and platforms are evaluated (1) for suitability to monitor specific wetlands systems; (2) for their effectiveness in detailing the extent of wetlands; (3) for their capability to monitor changes; and (4) for the resulting relative cost-benefits of implementing and updating wetlands databases. The environment to be monitored consists of physiographic and ecological wetland resources affected directly or indirectly by anthropogenic activity. Air craft and satellite remote sensing can be used to record and assess the condition of these resources. Monitoring of environmental conditions is based on the observation and interpretation of certain landscape features. Although some forms of monitoring are continuous, resource monitoring from aircraft and satellite platforms is periodic in nature, with change being documented through a series of observations over a given span of time. This report summarizes the findings of a bibliographic search on the methods used to inventory and/or detect changes in wetland environments. The bibliography contains numerous citations and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Books, major journals, and symposium proceedings were examined. The findings documented will provide the potential user with a basic understanding of remote sensing technology as it is applied to wetland monitoring and trend analysis.