"An understanding of scale"


Many applications that involve an analysis of land use or land characteristics can benefit greatly from the aerial perspective provided through remote sensing technology. Recent improvements in the quality of remote sensing data have opened the door for the development of a wide variety of products that increase the efficiency of business practices. Whether the source is a low-flying aircraft or an orbiting satellite, remotely sensed data can provide clients with an improved understanding of scale and perspective.

Enviro-Geo understands that ground-truthing and field scouting are invaluable sources of information and cannot be replaced. Products derived from remotely-sensed data can complement and enhance these ground-based efforts. We have several years experience in generating and delivering products to suit specific user needs, at spatial scales ranging from individual farmer’s fields to country-wide, using a variety of image and data types:

  • Aerial photography
  • Muli-spectral and panchromatic imagery (e.g. MODIS, Landsat, IKONOS)
  • Hyperspectral
  • Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)

User Needs Assessment / Advisement of Sensor Technology

"Remote sensing data" is a catch-all description for a wide array of datasets that provide information at different spatial scales, temporal frequencies, and spectral detail. Using data from a platform or sensor that does not adequately serve the needs of a project is a common mistake that can result in wasted resources and negligible results. Because Enviro-Geo has experience using remotely-sensed data as a tool for a wide variety of applications, we work with clients to define the proper datasets that will provide the maximum amount of extractable information.

Data Processing

To extract usable information from airborne- or satellite-derived data, a series of steps has to be performed to ensure consistency and comparability within and between images. Enviro-Geo performs the full range of data processing techniques:

  • Atmospheric correction
  • Radiometric calibration
  • Geometric registration
  • Filtering techniques
  • Data fusion

Algorithm Design and Implementation

Leading software packages provide the basic tools that are needed for fundamental image processing techniques. However, the needs of most clients are best served through a combination of these processes and tailor-made algorithms. Enviro-Geo has over a decade of experience designing custom remote sensing applications for a variety of sectors (agriculture, forestry, urban), sensors, and clients.

Applications

Enviro-Geo has an understanding of the strengths and limitations of remotely-sensed datasets and their ability to succeed for a given application. We involve our clients in all aspects of application design to ensure their complete satisfaction. Some specific applications that Enviro-Geo specializes in are:

  • Land use classifications and mapping
  • Change detection analyses
  • Forest health assessments
  • Floodplain mapping
  • Feature extraction
  • Topographic modeling
  • Neural network analyses

Training, Outreach, and Support

Enviro-Geo takes pride in the emphasis that we place on training and outreach. This ensures that our clients maximize the utility of the tools we provide. We conduct technology transfer workshops and seminars as well as communication with clients after the product has been delivered. We want to ensure it continues to meet your needs over time.