Project Abstract and Goals:

Problem:

Digitizing representative imagery of different formats including Skylab2, SEASAT, SIR-A and aircraft radar dating back to 1965. Imagery will be scanned multiple times using different parameters, such as illumination and reflectance as well as change in sampling rate. Moreover project results along with Dr. MacDonald’s biography will be made available on the Web.

Dataset:

Collection of analog SEASAT, SIR-A, Skylab 2, various aerial photography and aircraft radar imagery is available at the University of Arkansas Library and Ferritor Hall. This imagery is mostly in film rolls put in canisters, organized into boxes and placed into 5 series depending on the platform. After assessing the uniqueness of the imagery with Dr. MacDonald, we (Dr. Dixon, Dr. Cothren, Janet Dixon, Snow Winters, Stephan Pollard and Lucija Rakocevic) have come to the conclusion that our main focus will be on aircraft radar and Skylab 2 imagery. Aircraft radar imagery dates back to 1965 and is consisted of rare and mostly unique data.

Method:

Primarily we will decide on frequencies that need to be used for particular imagery to be scanned effectively using Matlab 7.0 software and light table for observing analog films. However, our focus should not only be on differences in format of the imagery but also on differences in geographical content of the imagery (eg: urban, landscapes etc.). Before scanning chosen images we will set up parameter matrices (consisted of different scanning frequencies, different gray levels, different spatial resolutions etc.) for each platform. Imagery will be scanned at Western Air Maps in Kansas City. We will analyze scanned imagery in order to make sure we have the best representative digital images possible, the images that best resemble our analog data Depending on their quality, the second trip to Kansas City will be planned. Once we have digitized desired imagery I will work with Snow Winters on developing a website where we can present accomplished work.

Expected Results:

Digitizing Dr. MacDonald’s imagery represents not only scientific but also historic value. Making this 1960-1990’s collection available on World Wide Web is of substantial educational significance. It makes imagery easier to use and access. Furthermore, it gives perspective of change and advance in Remotely-Sensed Imagery.

Goals:

Digitization and Web Access of a Historic Collection of Remotely-Sensed Imagery (pdf)

2007 AAG Meeting Poster Presentation (pdf)