APPLICATION AND EVALUATION OF DEVELOPED REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES TO IDENTIFY AND TRACK CHANGES OF SUBZONES WITHIN A SALT MARSH NEAR WALLOPS ISLAND, VA

In previous work, we developed a method to differentiate subzones within a coastal marsh using false color high resolution satellite imagery and the ArcGIS spatial analysis package. We found a good correlation between pansharpened images (resolutions at or greater than 0.6 meters/pixel) and subzones mapped in previous field work. This method was found to be relatively simple and cost effective. Here we report on the results of a blind test in which we will repeat the process on a new satellite data set prior to ground mapping to determine its accuracy and reliability. Two areas will be mapped on the ground in the summer and processed into ArcGIS. Separately, high resolution imagery of a larger scene that encompasses both map sites will be processed using the previously developed method. The two independent methods of mapping will then be compared and differences between the two methods quantified. The more recent imagery will also be compared to previous ground truthing to see whether changes have taken place. If this method proves viable, it could be a simple and useful tool for coastal and wildlife managers to monitor small changes in relative sea level or land availability (due to erosion or other factors) on a regular basis.