EM 1110-2-2907
1 October 2003
information on advanced and specialized hardware and software and their appli-
cations.
i. The Interpretation of Remotely Sensed Data. There are four basic steps in
processing a digital image: data acquisition, pre-processing, image display and
enhancement, and information extraction. The first three steps have been intro-
duced in this and previous chapters. This section focuses on information extrac-
tion and the techniques used by researchers to implement and successfully com-
plete a remote sensing analysis. The successful completion of an analysis first
begins with an assessment of the project needs. This initial assessment is critical
and is discussed below.
(1) Assessing Project Needs. Initiating a remote sensing project will require
a thorough understanding of the project goals and the limitations accompanying
its resources. Projects should begin with an overview of the objectives, followed
by plans for image processing and field data collection that best match the objec-
tives.
(a) An understanding of the customer resources and needs will make all
aspects of the project more efficient. Practicing good client communication
throughout the project will be mutually beneficial. The customer may need to be
educated on the subject of remote sensing to better understand how the analysis
will meet their goals and to recognize how they can contribute to the project. This
can prevent false expectations of the remotely sensed imagery while laying down
the basis for decisions concerning contributions and responsibilities. Plan to dis-
cuss image processing, field data collection, assessment, and data delivery and
support.
(b) The customer may already have the knowledge and resources needed
for the project. Find out which organizations may be in partnership with the cus-
tomer. Are there resources necessary for the project that can be provided by ei-
ther? It is important to isolate the customer's ultimate objective and learn what his
or her intermediate objectives may be. When assessing the objectives, keep in
mind the image classification needed by the customer and the level of error they
are willing to accept. Consider the following during the initial stages of a project:
What are the objectives?
Who is the customer and associated partners?
Who are the end users?
What is the final product?
What classification system is needed?
What are the resolution requirements?
What is the source of image data?
Does archive imagery exist?
Is season important?
What image processing software will be used? Is it adequate?
What type of computer hardware is available? Is it adequate?
Is there sufficient memory storage capacity for the new imagery?
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