Spring Meeting AbstractsSpring Meeting Abstracts
NMGIC Spring Meeting 2006 - Titles, Abstracts, and Biographies
Title: "Developments in the use of high resolution imagery to serve society"
Abstract: This presentation will look at current developments concering image data from airborne and satellite platforms, and consider how they help to deal with the current problems which face our society. The presentation will look at the technical developments in sensors and algorithms and how infrastructure is used to gather and distribute information; the sensors will include digital cameras, high resolution satellite sensors, SAR; new algorithms for digital photogrammetry will be discussed, and web based services for delivery of data. These techniques will then be related to the needs of society, such as general mapping, disaster management, water management and homeland security. These examples will be illustrated by case studies and linked to the role of organisations such as ISPRS in promoting these technologies.
Biography: Ian Dowman:
Ian Dowman has spent most of his career working at UCL, initially carrying out research with aerial and close range photography, but moving towards an interest in the application of digital aerial and satellite data to mapping. His current research involves automatic feature extraction, terrain mapping and the geometric fusion of different types of data.
Ian Dowman has been involved in ISPRS (International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) for many years as a Working Group chair, Commission President and Secretary General, and is now President of ISPRS.
Title: "Public Health Applications in Remote Sensing (PHAiRS): Dust and Respiratory Health Syndromes in the Southwest"
Abstract: The Public Health Applications in Remote Sensing (PHAiRS) project is engineering elements of an enhanced syndromic surveillance system for dust-related respiratory diseases in arid lands. These elements conform to a framework designed by the U.S. Space Program for the Research, Education, and Applications Solutions Network (REASoN). While there is a rich literature describing the possible roles and benefits derivable from Earth observations data for public and environmental health, there is a wide gap between theory and applications. Public health communities do not rely routinely on information derivable from Earth observations for several reasons, most notably because: (1) they need science results that verify, validate, and benchmark the statistical and economic benefits from these exotic inputs; and, (2) they lack the systems that would deliver such reliable information economically and swiftly in their already heavy workloads.
In the project framework, NASA-generated Earth observations data flow toward a suite of models comprising the Earth Science Modeling Framework (ESMF). In the case of PHAiRS, several Earth observations data sets are replacing parameters traditionally used in dust forecasting models to improve simulations of particulate matter entrainment, timing of entrainment, concentrations, and subsequent movement. Output from the enhanced dust forecasting model are then used together with hourly weather variables available in a regional version of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) model (Eta). Simulations using the enhanced dust model have been compared to actual dust episodes recorded by NCEP/Eta's atmospheric patterns and by dust data from a ground-based Continuous Air Monitoring System (CAMS). The simulations were re-run after replacing land cover classes with land cover classes derived from MODIS (MOD-12). For the CAMS test cases, this resulted in a significant improvement in the dust episode patterns. Additional EO data assimilations are underway to investigate whether further improvements can be gained by replacing topographic relief with higher resolution digital elevation data from SRTM, dust generating areas derived from MOD-15's Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) data, soil moisture data from AMSR-E , and surface roughness length data, among others.
On-going simulations aim to measure hourly, daily, and weekly model improvements from EO data replacements that are refreshed on a weekly, seasonal, or inter-annual basis. The overall aims are to: (a) combine the measured improvements from several EO data series that optimize dust forecast scenarios for public health authorities; (b) benchmark each step in the process to document the benefits of EO data inputs into respiratory health care; and (c) develop retrospective and forecast statistics from model runs that boost system reliability and user confidence. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a reliable respiratory public health syndromic surveillance system that can be translated into routine uses of EO data from NPOESS sensors.
Biography:Dr. Morain is a Biogeographer whose interests in syndromic surveillance stem from research funded by NASA and related to respiratory illnesses in the American southwest. He is leader of a multi-university, multi-disciplinary team of atmospheric scientists and modelers, medical doctors, health science center specialists, geospatial analysts, and remote sensing technologists developing tools for health information and decision making. His career has focused on remote sensing and spatial analysis through teaching, research, and applications projects. Since 1973 he has often been a consultant to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN/FAO), the UN Development Program (UNDP), the United States Agency for International Development (US/AID), and U.S. commercial firms on projects to insert GI-Science and spectral analysis into a variety of applications in Developing countries. Professionally, Dr. Morain is an:
Through his affiliations with both domestic and international science organizations Dr. Morain has been appointed to serve committees dedicated to applying Earth observations data to public health issues. Among these are:
Title: "Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Information Sciences in Disaster Management"
Abstract: Disasters have to be considered as complex phenomena of multi-causal origin occurring within the complex frame of the Earth-system. Disaster prevention is relatively under-developed in comparison with disaster response and post-disaster activities. The disaster prevention task needs to be stressed and strengthened. There are information gaps between useful data providers and their end users at nearly all levels: e.g. between space data providers and scientific evaluators of disaster risks, between the latter and civil defense users, between civil defense information and general public. At the most general and the most important level, the gap exists between experts and scientists on one side, and decision makers and the general public on the other one. Space technologies and space data are one of the most important inputs to the disaster management activities, but it has proven capability to provide critical support in terms of very effective remote sensing data from wide, and sometimes hard to be reached areas, as well as for emergency communication. Most of the other methods are ground based, because of frequent requirements on relatively very detailed spatial and temporal scales used in risk mapping and monitoring. To optimize the implementation of space technologies for natural and technological hazard evaluation, it is essential to use it in synergy with the ground based methods.
In order to reduce the property losses after a disaster (earthquake) a quick response to the right places which need help is a dominant task after a disaster. In most cases the information about the dimensions and extent of the disaster is gained after a long time. In these cases the rapid response is the most important item concerning aid management. Gaining reliable and quick data is also a most important task.
This presentation aims to demonstrate the role and potential use Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing/GIS in Disaster Management with examples of different regions of the world and to underline the role of international collaboration in disaster occurrences. The applications are based on the data gained after the Marmara Earthquake and also from various parts of the world. Then different international developments like "Disaster Charter" or establishment of an international space coordination body known as the "Disaster Management International Space Coordination Organization (DIMISCO)" according the recommendations of UNISPACE III, will be explained in detail.
Biography:Education:
Since 1989 Head of the Division of Photogrammetry at the Technical University of Istanbul.
From 1978 - 80 Orhan worked as a liaison officer between the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Commissions V and VII, in non-topographical applications. He is a member of the German Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Chairman of the OEEPE Working Group Spatial Data Quality Management, invited member of the IAG Working Group IV Applications of Geodesy to Engineering, vice-chairman of the FIG Working Group 5.3 Cinematic and Integrated Positioning Systems, and corresponding member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences. He is also a member of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
In the 2000 ISPRS Congress in Amsterdam he was nominated as the Congress Director of the 2004 ISPRS Congress to be held Istanbul. At the Congress in Istanbul in July 2004 he was elected as the Secretary General of ISPRS for the period 2004-2008. He is a Council Member of ISPRS.
His main working areas are Digital and Architectural Photogrammetry, Spatial Information Systems and Deformation Measurements.
Title: "Applications of Remote Sensing in Hydrology/ Soil Moisture"
Abstract: As pressures increase on our water supplies, locally and globally, there is a growing need for improved understanding and management of this limited resource. Remote sensing applications have been used to study aspects of the hydrologic cycle for some time, however, the full potential of this technology has yet to be harnessed in hydrological research and water resources management. This presentation will provide a look at the technologies and uses of RS in water research with a concentration on soil moisture.
Biography: Cody Wiley is a dual Masters student in the Geography Department and the Water Resources Program at The University of New Mexico. He is also a graduate Research Assistant with the Eagle Vision Project, which provides BIA High School teachers training and technical support in GIT/GIS. His previous work experience includes Research Tech and satellite tracker.
Title: "Viewshed Model Analysis of the Galisteo Basin using Digital Representations for Community Planning and Visual Assessment"
Abstract: Because the Galisteo Basin is considered a "high risk development area" where proposed subdivisions could impact the water collection, scenic, wildlife habitat, and the historic and cultural resources of the basin. The goal of this research was to create a viewshed model using available tools for visibility and surface analysis. The viewshed model will be used to identify a visual baseline, which might be used as the basis for regulation, and zoning of the proposed development within the view of the 8 large Pueblos currently situated with in the boundaries of the Galisteo Basin. These viewshed analyses might delineate the zoning of areas of both public
and private buildings.
Biography: Mona Angel, a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, is a senior majoring in Anthropology at the University of New Mexico, with a focus on human interaction and influences of cultural diversity on our modern world. She will be pursuing her Master's degree at UNM in Community and Regional Planning. Ms. Angel wishes to be proactive and responsive to emerging community issues - to help build coalitions, and become part of organizations that respond to and effectively address community as well as individual needs.
Title: "Biodiversity Disturbance of Migratory Pollinator Corridors in Western North America"
Abstract: Bats, hummingbirds, and a variety of insects are among the pollinators that seasonally migrate following well-defined "nectar corridors" where the sequential flowering of plants over a season provides pollinators the energy needed to sustain their journey. Many of these corridors are no longer fully intact. Disturbances resulting from land use changes, climatic variability and change, habitat fragmentation, invasive species and the exploitation of wild living resources all threaten these habitats and migrants. In some cases, these disturbances have eliminated floral resources over 20 to 60 mile segments, which may be farther than energy depleted pollinators, can fly in one day. An understanding of the factors affecting these habitats will contribute to the conservation of these critical ecosystems, the loss of which could threaten the very survival of the migratory species and the plants dependent upon them.
Biography: Crystal Krause graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology, receiving Outstanding Senior Biology Student for her class. Ms. Krause is currently working on her Master's degree in Geography at the University of New Mexico, where her focus is remote sensing and GIS for applications in biological research. Her graduate advisor is Dr. Rick Watson in the Geography Department. Her research interests are biogeography, desert ecology, and ecosystem ecology of burrowing owls and prairie dogs.
Ms. Krause currently works at the Center for Rapid Environmental Assessment & Terrain Evaluation at the University of New Mexico, a Direct Broadcast Satellite Receiving Station and Remote Sensing Lab. She is working on various vegetation research projects using remotely sensed imagery and GIS applications.
Ms. Krause is a member of the Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) National Biological Honor Society, and is Vice-President of the UNM Student Chapter of the ASPRS - the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. She enjoys being outdoors hiking, camping and -true to her field of Geography- exploring.
Title: "Modeling Rangeland in New Mexico: Fusing MODIS and NEXRAD for Estimating Seasonal Grassland Variation"
Abstract: Recent years have seen a changing climate trend in New Mexico, exacerbating the problems associated with encroachment and impacts to delicate semi-arid grasslands. New Mexico alone has 12.8 million acres of federal land managed for grazing by the Bureau of Land Management. Current fiscal reality in an era of budget cuts and manpower limitations demands new tools capable of leveraging the efficiencies of centralized support systems to manage large areas of public lands. A time-series regression model adjusting for seasonality was generated by combining high-temporal frequency remote sensing products from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) with precipitation products from NEXt Generation RADar (NEXRAD) for three dominant grasslands in New Mexico. This model yields a forecast model of relative seasonal greenness. The resultant model allows managers to quickly assess grass response to precipitation events, or lack there of, for precision management of these valuable and fragile lands.
Biography: Enrique Montaño is pursuing his graduate degree in Geography from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Montaño enjoys the diverse field of geography and has research interests in resource conservation and change detection and monitoring. Being both a Research Assistant at CREATE as well as a Geographer for the Federal Bureau of Land Management, Enrique is developing applications of CREATE products for the BLM.
Title: "The Global Navigation Satellite System: Where We Are and Where We Are Heading"
Abstract: For more than two decades, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been the primary player in the worldwide satellite-based navigation system arena. With the December, 2005, initial satellite launch of the European Union's Galileo system and the recent enhanced stability in the development of Russia's GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS), there are now three viable players on the field, or heading there. The collective term, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), has come to be used to refer to this three-tiered assemblage of space-based positioning programs. This presentation will examine the history of these systems leading up to today's configuration and will look ahead at the very exciting future evolution of the individual components and the synergy that will result from their interoperability.
Biography: Coming soon.
Most recent revision: Friday, March 24, 2006
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