Aircraft and Satellite Remote Sensing for Biophysical Analysis at Pen Island, Northwestern Ontario

Abstract

The capabilities of a number of remote-sensing techniques for biophysical mapping in the subarctic have been examined at Pen Island in northwestern Ontario. After a two week field reconnaissance, colour infrared aerial photography was studied and a detailed biophysical map of the area was produced. Using this knowledge LANDSAT satellite data of the site were investigated. In a visual analysis of the data, the majority of the units identified in the airphoto interpretation were detected, and these were distinguished primarily by their spectral characteristics. Digital analysis of the satellite data using the Bendix MAD system allowed many of the classes of the earlier studies to be delineated and also permitted the classification to be readily extended beyond the original site. In both LANDSAT analyses specific biophysical units could be mapped from the satellite data but could not be identified without the airphoto interpretation.