Common use of Imagery Analysis Method Clause in Contracts

Imagery Analysis Method. Imagery analysis consisted of two phases. The first was the identification and spatial-delineation of individual tree crowns. The second was the interpretation of the respective geometric and spectral signatures associated with these estimated tree crowns. Supplemental information regarding the exact data, time, and resources that were used can be found in Appendix E. The general approach and methodology of individual tree identification is discussed below. Before any crown measurements can be accurately summarized, individual trees need to be delineated into distinct objects. These will serve as the base for analysis and are referred to as Individual Tree Objects [ITOs]. This is essential for most of the model estimations derived from imagery. An algorithm was created that masks out unwanted features on the ground, identifies bright points that represent the tops of trees, and then grows the crown out until one of several evaluation thresholds is met. Once ITOs are located, they can be manipulated further in order accommodate for varying scenarios on the landscape. This report does not offer specific approaches to the unique problems, but it does serve to identify major areas where refinement can be made.