GeoJournal 20.2 167-173 © 1990 (Feb) by Kluwer Academic Publishers

167

Geo-/Object-Coding for Local-Change Assessment Planning, Execution, Accounting, and Research Demand Repeatability and VMidity of Geotope/Biotope Information

Benking, Heiner, Dipl.-Ing.; Schmidt v. Braun, Heiko, Dr., TOPOGRAMM GmbH, Salzgraben 2, 8120 Weilheim, FR Germany

ABSTRACT: Missing availability of reliable and specific landscape data may pose substantial restrictions to successful exploitation of remote sensing data and fast implementation of GIS (Geo-Information Systems). The possibilities to document conditions with high spacial* resolution at a given time and to review changing aspects by different disciplines represent opportunities for complex environmental programs.

The article covers: geodata acquisition and processing, research, execution, and ergonomicaYcognitive aspects. Application in inpenetrable terrain for research, landuse, and engineering requirements proved the feasibility especially in areas with high demand for timely, accurate, and comprehensive surveys.

Airborne close-range sensing was developed to survey localities and regions. It is no competition to global-change monitoring and large area mapping programs possible with remote sensing. Substituting only the bulk of field-work, leaving time for in-depth review in the field or in the office, the system provides a possibility to restudy points of interest.

Exploifation of advanced metric cameras, specialized airborne platforms, and spatial overlay, recognition, and discrimination techniques form the backbone of the TOPO- GRAMM approach. Multi-sectoral, multi-temporal, multi-spectral survey and processing methods rely basically on enlarged image scales additional to conventional aero-photo- grammetry and analytic plotting. Measurements and identification, not primarily inter- pretation, allow to establish high-fidelity and high resolution geo-frameworks. Focussing on micro- and mesoscales, no emphasis is given to highest geometric accuracy used for geodetic surveys. Drawing near to the object allows extraction of thematical and semantical infor- mation, dimensions, and phenomenology of objects hitherto only singularily available.

Introduction

Geo-information processing requires coded infor- mation. Authoritative databases demand the appraisal of each and every input. Only original data with known background and location can be used freely for many thematic maps, scales, and applications. The lack of data of such high precision and quality poses severe restric- tions to ecological and environmental applications.

The increasing availability of remote sensing data fills the needs only partially. Perfect for global change assessment and use in developing countries, acquisition Of reliable and spacial data for local tasks is restricted.

For large and medium scales, where affordable, the overview of airborne imagery must be given preference.

* distinction is made between 'spacial' (three-dimensional) and 'spatial' (two-dimensional)

Increased demand for geometric resolution can be met with additional metric reconnaissance cameras forming one key element of the system covered.

Alternative field mapping is hampered by poor per- formance and subjectivity of individual addressing and interpretation of landscape and object features. Esti- mates, generalized signatures, and the missing exact data obtained by ground check are severe limitations for geo- coding requirements. This might be less relevant for medium and small scale topographic mapping, but it seems not suitable for biosphere inventories, micro- and mesoscale research, and detection of local episodic change (Fig 1).

The possibility to combine with such a bottom-up and high accuracy data acquisition approach various infor- mation sources and to assume global, and local view- points in tandem seems worth exploiting (Meentemeyer, Box 1987; di Castri, Hadley 1988).

168 GeoJournal 20.2/1990

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Airborne imagery, combining visual optical recogni- tion, identification, and spacial measurements with superimposition of spectral information from invisible bands or database content is a recently more intensively exploited survey and processing approach. Validated radiometric resolution added to highest geometric/spacial resolution provide new information and correlation possibilities (Curran 1989).

Such high fidelity synoptical, multitemporal, and multispectral airborne surveys allow repetition a n d exchange resulting in high validity and objectivity indispensable for research and engineering.

Deficiencies, until recently, were limited accuracy and spacial resolution with metric image scales only well above 1:3000 for mosaics.

Close-range sensing, using advanced reconnaissance cameras, extends conventional aero-photogrammetry. Oblique metric images, covering regions at a given time, allow shape and neighbourhood recognition and help to document the geo/biosphere (Benking 1989).

The system (Tab 1) combines complex avionics, forward motion control to compensate the speed of the sensor platform (Meier 1984), and exposure control of cameras and sensors. Especially in mountainous areas and possibly constant object distances these are extreme requirements demanding special development. Modi- fication of equipment and the use of established techno- logies like mechanics and optics make up for the rugged- ness of the system. Information technology, electronics, and sensors have been tested and successfully used only under controlled conditions.

Sight oblique images of interest for object and land- scape documentation have been only rudimentarily available in the past (Rhody 1987). Terrestrical photo- grammetry is demanding as well, but does not cover total areas easily, is governed by the viewpoint and hindered by perspective laws more severely due to the low eye-point.

Single oblique images have been of high demand since long because of the structure and shape of recogni- tion potentials (Ringlet 1987). Discrimination and visual inspection by experts brings about indicators of high relevance.

Stereo-models, now available not only with conven- tional metric cameras, but with TRI-LENSE and TELE- LENS cameras, allow image scales down to 1:200 and stereopairs to review one object from different sides. Such multiple stereo pairs, taken from different distances

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2. Specialized films and scanners. Preference of high resolution black & white films (beside color° false- color, and infrared).

3. Photogrammetric analytic plott- ing & video superimposition systems (ZEISS P-Series incl. VIDEOMAP) for digital superimposition and over- lays.

4. Geographic Information and Drafting Systems (GIS), incl. sophi- sticated Digital Terrain Models (DTM), Image Processing Systems and databanks (SOL based).

G e o J o u r n a l 20.2/1990 169

Fig 3 The task rules acquisition, process- ing, and execution, redesigned after ECOINFORMA conference 1989

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and angles, form the basis for repeated approach to objects and features. Measurements of distances, areas, and volumes in models of high geometric accuracy are new to ecology and bio-sciences. Conventional mapping techniques, so far the sole domain of surveyors and photogrammetrists, can now also be used by laymen/ experts of various disciplines and permit new standards in quality (Fig 2).

Reviewing the latest approaches to space sciences and remote sensing (Lanzl 1989) for the MOMS 02/})2

Mission, the concept of triggered optics and sensors is state of the art. Furthermore, the TRI-LENSE or MULTI-LENSE concept to take shots to be construed to stereo models from one position is mandatory to avoid calibration problems when assembling digital models taken at differnt points in time. The described TOPO- GRAMM approach, based on short object distances to bring the views closer together, has only action area and project focus and meets task specific requirements by specific mission design. Calibration and combination

170 GeoJournal 20.2/1990

with other information sources and processing is a research issue, The T O P O G R A M M system primarily collects requested project data to be processed for inter- disciplinary tasks.

Implementation, Ergonomic, and Cognitive Aspects

Project execution has to obey rules quite different from planetary global programs. To master data=volumes and complexity a strategic selective collection and controlled evaluation favouring transparency seems appropriate. Projects are always pressing, require access to all sources, and phases have to be followed from planning, execution, monitoring, and accounting. Sensi- tive to media-breaks (Kampffmeyer 1989) and incompa- tibilities, only expertise can secure acceptance. The inno- vative sensor or information processing technology is handicap ed in this regard.

Only three major aspects of the design criteria may be elaborated in this context. For further information see (Benking 1989) or the summary in Tab 2.

T O P O G R A M M does not address conventional sur- veying/geodetic applications but uses conventional co- ordinate systems and topographic object codes where available (ADV 1988).

Focussing on micro- and mesoscales, no emphasis is given to highest geometric accuracy used for geodetic surveys. Drawing close to the object allows extraction of thematical and semantical information dimensions and phenomenology of objects hitherto only singular avai- lable.

T O P O G R A M M relies on standard industry inter- faces and software packages broadly accepted in the market. The PHOCUS Informations system (Hobbie, Rtidenauer 1984) provides interfaces and translators for a host of application specific packages.

Beside all technical instrumentation and information processing TO P O G RA MM focusses on support of the visualization, recognition, and discrimination only possible when drawing on the experience and expertise of field experienced professionals. The collection of their observations might lead to knowledge-bases.

System-support should be enhanced to directly support visual and mental powers. Advanced image superimposition, overlaying different levels of thematic information or third data sources like old maps, have direkt positive impact on ecological research, culture, or renaturation projects (Fig 3).

Fig 4 Mountain torrents are documented by TRILENSE images with a 56% overlap and a focal length of 80 ram. The camera combines wide angle panoramic camera coverage (143.5 ° ) with framing camera geometry on a single 240 ram wide film.

GeoJournal 20.2/1990 171

Source (Fig 4 and Fig 5): Images are made available through BMLF, Vienna, by permission of the Bundesministerium ftir wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten (BMWA), Wien, Austria; ZL: 96222/220-IX/688; 20.X.1988.

Fig 5 Selected action areas covered by continuous TELELENS images with 80% overlap. The image size is 115x230 ram. The camera has a focal length of 610 mm and is fully electronic and microprocessor controlled. - The images of the heavily eroded slope were taken to study the case and to design adequate protection measures (natural and/or technical). Magnification up to 100 times for more in depth study is easy.

Forestry and Engineering Applications in Steep Terrain

The vertical reahn of the Alps, protected by "Bann- oder Schutzwgilder'" (Guard or Preservation Forests) is endangered.

Forestry and erosion prevention suffer f rom the lacking of up-dated large-scale maps. Rough terrain and bad weather render little comfort to mapping. Terre- strical photogrammetry , relatively slow and expensive as it is, requires high density o f topographic benchmark networks.

Selective addressing of locations and features makes the case even worse.

Convent ional aero-imagery is used for inventories or die-back studies. However , the geometric resolution required to address phenomenological features or design and construction with engineering accuracy are not possible with conventional equipment.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Vienna, Austria, for example, archives the images for documen- tation and for project planning or to control the infor- mation when required. Experts use the latest generat ion

172 GeoJournal 20.2/1990

Tab 1 Comparison

of stereo interpretation and analytic plotting devices without any electronic data-processing. Without having ever been in the project or study area, experts obtain "images and perceptions" for management or implemen- tation tasks, such as reforestation programs, regulation of torrents, construction of avalanche brakes and shelters, emergency care programs, and evacuation planning.

The possibility to select stereo-images and to zoom into details is new in forestry. Sight oblique images portray the shape and impression otherwise only

observed in the field. Additional slants may be of interest when terrestrical observation does not meet with the requirements.

Attribution of further sensor or thematic information is strongly considered, and some tests have already been executed. Tectonic information, available from aero- magnetic missions, is for example evaluated to identify layers of crumbling, disintegrated rock and rock debris to monitor land slide risks.

Highly demanding and critical tasks may require immediate response and device modification under

Tab 2 System highlights

GeoJournal 20.2/1990 173

project and service conditions. The mix of research and product ion is considered vital.

T O P O G R A M M provides acquisition tools facili- tating interpretat ion and processing. Interdisciplinary exchange needs to fit administration and work-flow.

Summary and Perspectives

Conventional aero-photogrammetry and information processing are the basic vehicles of a new approach. Increasing the geometr ic resolution well above scales of 1:3000 in addition to conventional scales posed technical problems not to be solved with commonly available equipment.

The bot tom-up approach provides new data-qualities with a high degree of compatibility, with perception and reasoning processes and, therefore, has far reaching implication to research and execution.

The vision to overlay not only terrain information (DTM's) but also vegetation cover, object features, and surface textures with remote sensing data may be satis- factory in the first run. Digital and analogue overlays or video superimposition of high fidelity terrain and vege- tation cover may substantially improve the expertise about our environment (Ebner et al. 1988).

Control led approach of technological opportunities, mixing high and low tech and not jumping on latest opportunities, holds various benefits. Beside the increase of global awareness to communicate global change and allow political decisions, life, processes, and textures are local and can only be successfully handled when addressing concrete details and subjects in space and time. All business is local. Using large film archives for documenting the landscape at various times has no digital alternative. Very little information is available to plot and understand natural and artificial landscape design factors. Microfilm archives show us the volumes of information possible to be stored in volumes of large format film archives. Film handling still poses some manageable problems, but the content of long-term stored ground-, detail-, and Gestalt-truth as original, not alterable data, as the base of modern information processing applications might be worth some effort.

Acknowledgement

We are grateful for the assistance and material made available by the Ministerium ffir Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Sektion V, C9, Wien, Austria.

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