Mapping Forest Species at Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA, Using Landsat TM Data and a Geographic Information System
White JD. 1991. Mapping Forest Species at Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA, Using Landsat TM Data and a Geographic Information System. Texas Christian University
The purpose of this study was to document that genus level mapping of mixed confier forests can be accomplished using simple unsupervised classifiers (grouping pixels, also known as picture elements, from spectral databased on the statistical clustering of spectral data contained within each unit)of Landsat TM data. Forest species could not be separated using only spectral data, although genus level mapping was possible at a level of 88% accuracy using an unsupervised classification of Landsat TM data. Forest structure, especially canopy coverage and understory vegetation, seemed to affect classification performance. Spectral based, genus level maps could also be modified with terrain data in a GIS to produce forest species maps at an accuracy level of 60%. The study area was Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- White, Joseph
- Date of Issue
- 1991-05
- Publisher
- Texas Christian University
- Units
- LAVO
- Keywords
- Geographic Information System (GIS), Mapping, Plant Studies, Satellite Imagery, Thesis, Vegetation Types