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AIRBORNE DATA ACQUISITION FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Carl Steidley, Ray Bachnak, Gary Jeffress, and Rahul Kulkarni

Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412

Abstract

This paper describes an Airborne Multi-Spectral Imaging System (AMIS) and the development of its system software. This system has been developed so as to be rapidly deployed in response to episodic events such as hurricanes and tropical storms which may occur year round in coastal zones. The system uses digital video cameras to provide high resolution images at a very high collection rate. The system is software controlled so as to provide a minimum distraction for the aircraft pilot by providing for the remote manipulation of the camera and the GPS receiver. The system is viable for many applications that require good resolution at low cost. Such applications include vegetation detection, oceanography, marine biology, and environmental coastal science analysis.

Introduction

This paper describes an Airborne Multi-Spectral Imaging System (AMIS) that uses digital video cameras to provide high resolution images at a very high collection rate 1, 2. Software has been developed to control the camera and the GPS receiver components of the system. This software provides for the remote manipulation of various functions, including play, stop, and rewind. The system has many applications, including vegetation detection, oceanography, marine biology, and environmental coastal science analysis. Such applications have become increasingly common in recent years. While there are many multi-spectral Satellite Remote Sensors such as the LANDSAT MSS and LANDSAT TM, these systems offer only 30-meter spatial resolution pixels. Another limitation of satellite sensors is that their temporal resolution is based on their orbital passes. AMIS offers an efficient solution that supplies excellent scientific information by providing near real-time high resolution images.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is located on Ward Island in Corpus Christi Bay. Hurricanes, tropical storms and other episodic events occur year round in the area. Our marine biologist, environmental scientist, and geologist colleagues of the Center for Coastal Studies often need to investigate and analyze the after effects of such events at near real time. The vendors of satellite images are often unable to meet the desired temporal and spatial resolution. In addition to being costly, commercial airborne remote sensing systems have to be deployed at the scene of investigation as soon as possible for data to be useful for studies and research. The remainder of

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Eduction Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Kulkarni, R., & Steidley, C., & Bachnak, R. (2005, June), Airborne Data Acquisition For Interdisciplinary Research And Education Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15161