We are required to write 1000 words about the following assignment:
You have been hired as a remote sensing specialist for mapping several environmental problems in the Cairns-Atherton area in northern Queensland. The area consists of remnant tropical rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest and developed areas (residential and agricultural). On lower elevation coastal slopes the forest grades into coastal forest, mangroves and urban (residential, commercial and industrial) areas. The terrain is mountainous, ranging from coastal plains at sea-level through a coastal mountain range and then onto the Atherton tablelands.
You have been asked to outline procedures and imagery needed to perform the following task:
An invasive weed has started to occur over large sections of the Wet Tropics and the local and state governments have set up a taskforce to control its spread. The weed of interest is pond-apple (Annona glabra) which occurs mainly in wetter areas in as a shrub up to 5m high, with a canopy that turns yellow in the drier months (Jun-August). One of the key pieces of information required by the taskforce is an up to date map showing the location of weed patches that are at least 10,000m2 (100m x 100m, 1ha). The output map is to be presented in a format able to be used in existing GIS of the local and state government management agencies.
Describe how you would use remote sensing to address the task, be specific about the types of imagery (including spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions and characteristics), how imagery will be acquired and from whom, and when. Generally describe any ancillary data that would be useful and the type of analyses or procedures that should be performed to complete the task. Your recommendations should be based on trying to complete the task in an efficient and cost effective manner, but you may assume you are not subject to budget limitations.
Suggested Exam Essay Structure and Grading:
(1) Define the Information Required (10…