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S on the

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11 Editors

_8

,S RSS-3 Imagery and Snapshots

Video Camera

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NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 48

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

Volume 48

BOREAS RSS-3 Imagery and Snapshots

from a Helicopter-Mounted Video Camera

Charles L. Walthall, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland

Sara Loechel, University of Maryland

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

July 2000
NASA Center for AeroSpace Information

7121 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 21076-1320

Price Code: A17

Available from:

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Price Code: A10
BOREAS RSS-3 Imagery and Snapshots from a Helicopter-Mounted

Video Camera

Charles L. Walthall, Sara Loechel

Summary

The BOREAS RSS-3 team collected helicopter-based video coverage of forested sites acquired during

BOREAS as well as single-frame "snapshots" processed to still images. Helicopter data used in this

analysis were collected during all three 1994 IFCs (24-May to 16-Jun, 19-Jul to 10-Aug, and 30-Aug

to 19-Sep), at numerous tower and auxiliary sites in both the NSA and the SSA. The VHS-camera

observations correspond to other coincident helicopter measurements. The field of view of the camera

is unknown. The video tapes are in both VHS and Beta format. The still images are stored in JPEG

format.

Note: An extensive helicopter log (in Acrobat format) is available for the 1994 IFC's.

Environmental, technical, instrumental, and operational conditions are noted for each observation

where applicable. It is strongly recommended that any researcher doing extended work with this data

set review this helicopter log.

Table of Contents

1) Data Set Overview

2) Investigator(s)

3) Theory of Measurements

4) Equipment

5) Data Acquisition Methods

6) Observations

7) Data Description

8) Data Organization

9) Data Manipulations

10) Errors

11) Notes

12) Application of the Data Set

13) Future Modifications and Plans

14) Software

15) Data Access

16) Output Products and Availability

17) References

18) Glossary of Terms

19) List of Acronyms

20) Document Information

1. Data Set Overview

1.1 Data Set Identification

BOREAS RSS-03 Imagery and Snapshots from a Helicopter-Mounted Video Camera

1.2 Data Set Introduction

The Remote Sensing Science (RSS)-03 helicopter-based video data set was compiled during the

BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) 1994 Intensive Field Campaigns (IFCs) with a

color VHS video camera mounted on a helicopter platform. Video imagery was taken from the

helicopter platform at BOREAS sites simultaneous with radiometric ground measurements and

Page 1
sunphotometermeasurementsfrom thesameplatform.Theinstrumentationusedwasdesignedand

developedattheNationalAeronauticsandSpaceAdministration(NASA) GoddardSpaceFlightCenter

(GSFC).Thedatawerecollectedduringthegreen-up,peak,andsenescentstagesof thegrowing

seasonatnumeroustowerandauxiliarysitesin boththeNorthernStudyArea(NSA)andtheSouthern

StudyArea(SSA).Theimagesweretakenduringthefollowing periods:

• 31-May-1994to 10-Jun-1994(IFC-1)

• 21-Ju1-1994to 08-Aug-1994(IFC-2)

• 06-Sep-1994to 16-Sep-1994(IFC-3)

Multiple observationswerecapturedfrom thevideoat siteswherethecoverchangedsignificantly

duringthescantime;thiswasdeterminedsubjectivelyby theoperator.

1.3 Objective/Purpose

Thestudyobjectivewasto acquiremultispectral,bidirectionalreflectance,andsurfacetemperature

dataof thestudysitesfor assessmentsof spectral,spatial,andtemporalvariability,andtheimpactsof

thesevariabilitiesonvegetationindices.A helicopterwith apointable,stabilizedmountwasusedto

carryaspectrometer(visibleandnear-infrared),spectroradiometer, infraredthermometer,video

camera,anda suntrackingphotometer.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

Helicopter-basedVHSvideophotographsof towerandauxiliarysitesduringall threeIFCsin

1994.Videoobservationswerecapturedwhile onboarddeviceswerein operationoversites.

1.8 Discussion

Thevideoimagerywastakento capturevisualconditionsatthesiteduringdatacollectionthat

couldthenlaterbereferredto asnecessarywhenprocessingthedatato aidin thequalityassessment of

thedata.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREASRSS-01PARABOLASurfaceReflectanceandTransmittanceData

BOREASRSS-02Level-lb ASASImagery:At-sensorRadiancein BSQFormat

BOREASRSS-03ReflectanceMeasuredfromaHelicopter-MountedSE-590

BOREASRSS-03ReflectanceMeasuredfrom aHelicopter-MountedBarnesMMR

BOREASRSS-03AtmosphericConditionsfrom aHelicopter-MountedSunphotometer

BOREASRSS-19BackgroundSpectralReflectanceData

BOREASRSS-20POLDERMeasurementsof SurfaceBRDF

2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. Charles L. Walthall, Physical Scientist

2.2 Title of Investigation

Biophysical Significance of Spectral Vegetation Indices in the Boreal Forest

Page 2
2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1:

Dr. Charles L. Walthall

Physical Scientist

USDA Agricultural Research Service

Remote Sensing and Modeling Laboratory

Rm. 008, Bldg. 007, BARC-West

10300 Baltimore Avenue

Beltsville, MD 20705 USA

(301) 504-6074

(301) 504-5031 (fax)

cwalthal@ asrr.arsusda.gov

Contact 2:

Sara Loechel

Faculty Research Assistant

Department of Geography

University of Maryland

Remote Sensing and Modeling Laboratory

Rm. 008, Bldg. 007, BARC-West

10300 Baltimore Avenue

Beltsville, MD 20705 USA

(301) 504-6823

(301) 504-5031 (fax)

sloechel@asrr.arsusda.gov

Contact 3:

Jaime Nickeson

Raytheon ITSS

NASA GSFC

Code 923

Greenbelt, MD 20771

(301) 286-3373

(301) 286-0239 (fax)

Jaime.Nickeson@ gsfc.nasa.gov

3. Theory of Measurements

The video imagery was taken to capture visual conditions at the site during data collection that could

then later be referred to as necessary when processing the data to aid in the quality assessment. Two

video cameras are used in the system. One video camera is bore-sighted with the main instruments on

the pointable platform, and the other is next to the 70 mm photographic camera set to view nadir only.

Video data are fed through a time and date video generator to superimpose month, day, year, and

system clock time on the video tape frames.

Page 3
4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

Color Video System. The color video system consists of Charge-Coupled Device (CCD)-based

color video cameras connected to a stereo-andio VCR. During IFC- 1 and IFC-2, the VCR was a Beta

format unit that had been used with the helicopter system since the mid-1980s. Beta format was

originally chosen over VHS to take advantage of its higher video image resolution. Prior to IFC-3, an

industrial-quality Super-VHS unit was installed and used for the rest of the experiment.

The image is then displayed on a 14-inch color screen in the center instrument rack. Images from

the nadir-only viewing camera are fed directly to a small color screen located on the pilot's instrument

panel and then to a selector switch. The selector switch allows the back-seat instrument operators to

view either the images from the bore-sighted video camera or the pilot's video camera. The

bore-sighted camera provides feedback to the instrument operator when pointing the instrument

package, and the nadir camera image is used by the pilot while positioning the helicopter during

hovers. During IFC-1, a video camera with an operator-controlled electronic zoom and focus system

with a was used. During IFC-2 and IFC-3, this lens was replaced with the same type of lens used with

the nadir-looking camera. These lenses had a manual focus and a 20 to 80 mm zoom range, which was

set at 30 to 35 ram.

The stereo audio tracks of the VCR are used for an additional data record. One track is used to

record an audible tone that is generated each time the instruments are triggered. The other audio track

records the cabin intercom conversations among the aircrew.

4.1.1 Collection Environment

In general, the helicopter was flown during relatively clear days when possible. Data collection

was attempted during conditions of highest possible solar elevation. All observations were attempted

from a nadir observation point and usually at 300 m above ground level (AGL). Exceptions are noted

in the helicopter log.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

A Bell UH-1H "Iroquois" helicopter, operated by the NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) was

used as the airborne platform during BOREAS. This particular aircraft, call number N415, was built in

1965 and was acquired by WFF in 1993. Upon acquisition, the aircraft was slightly modified for use

as a scientific platform.

Helicopter N415 operates with standard or low-mount, rear-leaning skids. The engine is a

Lycoming T53/L13, which provides 1,400 shaft HP with 1,290 transmission HP. The fuel capacity

provides 2.0 hours flying time with a 20 minute fuel reserve under normal modes of operation. The

addition of an auxiliary fuel tank in the port-side door crewman's position provided an additional 15

minutes of flight time during BOREAS given optimum flight conditions. The weight of the entire

helicopter system with full instrumentation, full fuel, and crew members was 9,500 lbs.

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

The video imagery was collected to capture site conditions at a fine spatial resolution during data

collection that could then later be referred to as necessary when processing the data and to aid in the

quality assessment of the data.

4.1.4 Key Variables

Video imagery.

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

The system is configured for multiple sensor data collection. The Modular Multiband Radiometer

(MMR), Spectron Engineering spectroradiometer (SE-590), infrared thermometer, autotracking

sunphotometer, and video sensor were the primary payload during BOREAS. The video camera was

run continuously during data collection.

Page 4
4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

Unknown.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

Unknown.

4.2 Calibration

Images are not calibrated. However, the images provide an overhead view of the tower and

auxiliary sites with fine spatial resolution.

4.2.1 Specifications

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

Not applicable.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

Not applicable.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

Not applicable.

5. Data Acquisition Methods

The NASA GSFC/WFF helicopter-based optical remote sensing system was deployed to acquire

canopy multispectral data while hovering approximately 300 meters AGL (Walthall et al., 1996). A

VHS color video camera was in operation during all data collection flights. The field of view (FOV) of

the lens is unknown. Images are not calibrated. However, the images provide an overhead view of the

tower and auxiliary sites with fine spatial resolution. A visual record of conditions at the time of the

spectral data collection can assist in analysis.

The video snapshots were generated on a Power Macintosh PC 8500/220 using a VHS video

player and Avid VideoShop 3.0.2. The images were then converted from PICT format to JPEG for

universal accessibility.

6. Observations

6.1 Data Notes

An extensive helicopter log is available. Environmental, technical, instrumental, and operator

conditions are noted for each observation where applicable.

6.2 Field Notes

See helicopter log.

Page 5
7. Data Description

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

The helicopter visited all of the NSA and SSA tower and category- 1 auxiliary sites. Each site listed

below was observed by this instrument at least once during the 1994 campaign at BOREAS. The

coordinates in the table are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

Site Id Operat'l Longitude

Grid ID

Latitude UTM UTM UTM

Easting Northing Zone

Flux Tower Sites

SSA:

SSA-FEN FOL9T

SSA-OBS G814T

SSA-OJP G2L3T

SSA-YJP F8L6T

SSA-9OA C3B7T

SSA-9YA DOH4T

104 61798 ° W 53 80206 ° N 525159 8

105 11779 ° W 53 98717 ° N 492276 5

104 69203 ° W 53 91634 ° N 520227 7

104 64529 ° W 53 87581 ° N 523320 2

106 19779 ° W 53 62889 ° N 420790 5

105 32314 ° W 53 65601 ° N 478644 1

5961566 6 13

5982100 5 13

5974257 5 13

5969762 5 13

5942899 9 13

5945298 9 13

NSA:

NSA-OBS T3R8T

NSA-OJP T7Q8T

NSA-YJP T8S9T

NSA-BVP T4U6T

NSA-FEN T7SlT

98.48139 ° W 55.88007 ° N 532444.5

98.62396 ° W 55.92842 ° N 523496.2

98.28706 ° W 55.89575 ° N 544583.9

98.02747 ° W 55.84225 ° N 560900.6

98.42072 ° W 55.91481 ° N 536207.9

6192853 4 14

6198176 3 14

6194706 9 14

6188950 7 14

6196749 6 14

Auxiliary Sites

SSA:

SSA-9BS DOH6S

SSA-9BS G214S 105

SSA-9BS G2L7S 104

SSA-9BS G6K8S 104

SSA-9BS G914S 105

SSA-9JP F516P 105

SSA-9JP F7JOP 105

SSA-9JP F7JIP 105

SSA-9JP GIK9P 104

SSA-9JP G4K8P 104

SSA-9JP G7K8P 104

SSA-9JP G8L6P 104

SSA-9JP G9LOP 104

SSA-9JP I218P 105

SSA-ASP B9B7A 106

SSA-ASP D6H4A 105

SSA-ASP D6L9A 104

SSA-ASP D9G4A 105

SSA-MIX D9IIM 105

SSA-MIX FINOM 104

SSA-MIX G413M 105

SSA-CLR FRSHCL 104

105 29534 ° W 53 64877 ° N 480508 7

13964 ° W 53

63785 ° W 53

75900 ° W 53

11805 ° W 53

11175 ° W 53

05115 ° W 53

03226 ° W 53

74812 ° W 53

76401 ° W 53

77148 ° W 53

63755 ° W 53

73779 ° W 53

05107 ° W 54

18693 ° W 53

31546 ° W 53

63880 ° W 53

46929 ° W 53

20643 ° W 53

53300 ° W 53

14246 ° W 53

69194 ° W 53

93021 ° N 490831

90349 ° N 523793

94446 ° N 515847

99877 ° N 492291

86608 ° N 492651

88336 ° N 496667

88211 ° N 497879

90880 ° N 516546

91883 ° N 515499

95882 ° N 514994

96558 ° N 523778

97576 ° N 517197

11181 ° N 496661

59098 ° N 421469

70828 ° N 479177

66879 ° N 523864

74019 ° N 469047

72540 ° N 486379

80594 ° N 530753

93750 ° N 490677

91639 ° N 520205

5944263 4 13

5975766 3 13

5972844 3 13

5977146 9 13

5983169 1 13

5968627 1 13

5970323 3 13

5970405 6 13

5973404 5 13

5974516 6 13

5978963 8 13

5979752 7 13

5980856 0 13

5995963 1 13

5938447 2 13

5951112 1 13

5946733 2 13

5954718 4 13

5952989 7 13

5962031 8 13

5976354 9 13

5974269 4 13

Page 6
Site Id Operat'l Longitude Latitude UTM

Grid ID Zone

UTM

Easting

UTM

Northing

Auxiliary Sites

NSA:

NSA-9BS S8W0S

NSA-9BS TOP7S

NSA-9BS TOP8S

NSA-9BS TOWIS

NSA-9BS T3U9S

NSA-9BS T4U8S

NSA-9BS T4U9S

NSA-9BS T5Q7S

NSA-9BS T6R5S

NSA-9BS T6T6S

NSA-9BS T7R9S

NSA-9BS T7T3S

NSA-9BS T8S4S

NSA-9BS U5W5S

NSA-9BS U6W5S

NSA-9JP 9909P

NSA-9JP Q3V3P

NSA-9JP T7S9P

NSA-9JP TSQ9P

NSA-9JP T8S9P

NSA-9JP T8TIP

NSA-9JP T9QSP

NSA- 9OA T2Q6A

NSA-ASP P7VIA

NSA-ASP Q3V2A

NSA-ASP R8V8A

NSA-ASP S9P3A

NSA-ASP T4U5A

NSA-ASP T8S4A

NSA-ASP V5X7A

NSA-ASP WOY5A

NSA-MIX QIV2M

NSA-MIX TOP5M

97 84024 ° W

98 82345 ° W

98 80225 ° W

97 80937 ° W

97 98339 ° W

97 99325 ° W

97 98364 ° W

98 64022 ° W

98 51865 ° W

98 18658 ° W

98 44877 ° W

98 22621 ° W

98 37111 ° W

97 70986 ° W

97 70281 ° W

99 03952 ° W

98 02473 o W

98 30037 o W

98 61050 ° W

98 28385 ° W

98 26269 ° W

98 59568 ° W

98 67479 ° W

98 07478 ° W

98 02635 ° W

97 89260 ° W

98 87621 ° W

98 04329 ° W

98 37041 ° W

97 48565 ° W

97 33550 o W

98 03769 ° W

98 85662 ° W

55 76824 ° N

55 88371 ° N

55 88351 ° N

55 78239 ° N

55 83083 ° N

55 83913 ° N

55 83455 ° N

55 91610 ° N

55 90802 ° N

55 87968 ° N

55 91506 ° N

55 89358 ° N

55 91689 ° N

55 90610 ° N

55 91021 ° N

55 88173 ° N

55 55712 ° N

55 89486 ° N

55 93219 ° N

55 90456 ° N

55 90539 ° N

55 93737 ° N

55 88691 ° N

55 50253 ° N

55 56227 ° N

55 67779 ° N

55 88576 ° N

55 84757 ° N

55 91856 ° N

55 97396 ° N

56 00339 ° N

55 54568 ° N

55 88911 ° N

572761 9

511043 9

512370 1

574671 7

563679 1

563048 2

563657 5

522487 2

530092 0

550887 9

534454 5

548391 8

539306 4

580655 5

581087 8

497527 8

561517 9

543752 4

524334 5

544774 3

546096 3

525257 1

520342 0

558442 1

561407 9

569638 4

507743 3

559901 6

539348 3

594506 1

603796 6

560718 3

508967 7

6180894 9

6193151 1

6193132 0

6182502 0

6187719 2

6188633 4

6188132 8

6196800 5

6195947 0

6192987 9

6196763 6

6194505 6

6197008 6

6196380 8

6196846 5

6192917 5

6157222 2

6194599 1

6198601 4

6195688 9

6195795 3

6199183 2

6193540 7

6151103 7

6157793 5

6170774 8

6193371 6

6189528 2

6197194 6

6204216 6

6207706 6

6155937 3

6193747 3

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

None given.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

The spatial resolution is somewhat variable based on the altitude of the helicopter and the height of

the trees and ground cover.

7.1.4 Projection

None given.

7.1.5 Grid Description

Not applicable.

Page 7
7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

Observations were made during all three BOREAS 1994 IFCs, which occurred during the

following periods:

IFC-1 24-May to 16-Jun

IFC-2 19-Jul to 10-Aug

IFC-3 30-Aug to 19-Sep

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

Observations were made at several sites on the following dates:

Date Study Area

31-May-94 SSA

l-Jun-94 SSA

4-Jun-94 SSA

6-Jun-94 SSA

7-Jun-94 SSA

8-Jun-94 NSA

10-Jun-94 NSA

21-Jui-94 NSA

22-Jui-94 SSA

23-Jui-94 SSA

24-Jui-94 SSA

25-Jui-94 SSA

28-Jui-94 SSA

4-Aug-94 NSA

8-Aug-94 NSA

6-Sep-94 NSA

8-Sep-94 NSA

9-Sep-94 NSA

13-Sep-94 NSA

15-Sep-94 SSA

16-Sep-94 SSA

In addition to the still images from each IFC, videotapes exist for the dates indicated below:

Video Tape Description

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

RSS-03

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

HELICOPTER

VIDEO, GPS, IFC-I,

VIDEO, GPS, IFC-I,

VIDEO, HELO A & B,

VIDEO, HELO, IFC-I

VIDEO HELO, IFC-I,

VIDEO HELO, IFC-I

VIDEO HELO, IFC-I

VIDEO HELO, IFC-I

OA AND YA, 25-MAY-94

OA AND YA, 25-MAY-94

IFC-I, 31-MAY-94

01-JUN-94

04-JUN-94

06-JUN-94

NSA, 07-JUN-94

NSA, 08-JUN-94

VIDEO HELO, OPTICAL 22-JUL-94

VIDEO HELO, 23-JUL-94

VIDEO HELO A, TRANSECT B, 24-JUL-94

VIDEO HELO, 25-JUL-94

AND 27-MAY-94

AND 27-MAY-94

Page 8
RSS-03,HELICOPTER

RSS-03,HELICOPTER

RSS-03,HELICOPTER

RSS-03,HELICOPTER

VIDEO HELO, B HELO, 25-JUL-94

VIDEO, HELO, A & B 04-AUG-94

VIDEO, C HELO, 04-AUG-94

VIDEO, HELO A 08-AUG-94

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

Measurements were collected as conditions permitted during each IFC. Each site was visited as

often as possible during each IFC, with priority given to tower flux sites and category 1 auxiliary sites.

Helicopter flight time was limited to approximately 2 hours by fuel constraints. As many sites as

possible were visited during each flight.

7.3 Data Characteristics

7.3.1 Parameter/Variable

Video tapes and still frame imagery. The parameters contained in the video tape inventory file on the

CD-ROM are:

Column Name

MEDIA ID

MEDIA DESCR

7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition

The still frames were digitized from the video tape as representative views of the sites.The video

tapes are Beta and VHS format containing the collected video imagery. The descriptions of the

parameters contained in the video tape inventory file on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Description

MEDIA ID

MEDIA DESCR

The BORIS identifier assigned to the data/

information containing media. The form of the

MEDIA ID varies with each data set.

The description of the information holding media.

An example would be: RSS-03 Helicopter video

tapes. IFC-I OA and YA 25-MAY-1994 and

27-MAY-1994 (VHS and BETA formats)

7.3.3 Unit of Measurement

There are no measurement units associated with the video tape or still frame imagery. The

measurement units for the parameters contained in the video tape inventory file on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Units

MEDIA ID [none]

MEDIA DESCR [none]

7.3.4 Data Source

The images were gathered with a color, VHS video recorder. The source of the parameter values

contained in the video tape inventory file on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Data Source

MEDIA ID

MEDIA DESCR

[Assigned by BORIS]

[Provided by RSS-03]

Page 9
7.3.5 Data Range

The following table gives information about the parameter values found in the video tape inventory

file on the CD-ROM.

Minimum Maximum Missng Unrel Below Data

Data Data Data Data Detect Not

Column Name Value Value Value Value Limit Cllctd

MEDIA ID N/A N/A None None None None

MEDIA DESCR N/A N/A None None None None

Minimum Data Value -- The minimum value found in the column.

Maximum Data Value -- The maximum value found in the column.

Missng Data Value -- The value that indicates missing data. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Unrel Data Value -- The value that indicates unreliable data. This is used

to indicate an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the value was deemed to be

unreliable by the analysis personnel.

Below Detect Limit -- The value that indicates parameter values below the

instruments detection limits. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the analysis personnel determined

that the parameter value was below the detection

limit of the instrumentation.

Data Not Cllctd -- This value indicates that no attempt was made to

determine the parameter value. This usually

indicates that BORIS combined several similar but

not identical data sets into the same data base table

but this particular science team did not

measure that parameter.

Blank -- Indicates that blank spaces are used to denote that type of value.

N/A -- Indicates that the value is not applicable to the respective column.

None -- Indicates that no values of that sort were found in the column.

7.4 Sample Data Record

The following are wrapped versions of data records from the video tape inventory file on the

CD-ROM.

MEDIA ID,MEDIA DESCR

'VIDHEL001-0', 'RSS-03 Helicopter video tapes. 25-JUL-1994 (VHS and BETA

formats).'

'VIDHEL002-0', 'RSS-03 Helocopter video tapes. IFC-I 04-JUN-1994 (VHS and BETA

formats).'

Page 10
8. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

The smallest unit of information for the video tapes is one video tape. The smallest unit of data for

the still images is a single image.

8.2 Data Format(s)

The video tapes are stored in Beta and/or VHS format. The still images are stored in JPEG image

files that are named with the date when and site where the imagery was acquired.

The Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) file of video tape inventory information

contains American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) numerical and character fields

of varying length separated by commas. The character fields are enclosed with single apostrophe

marks. There are no spaces between the fields.

Each data file on the CD-ROM has four header lines of Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML)

code at the top. When viewed with a Web browser, this code displays header information (data set

title, location, date, acknowledgments, etc.) and a series of HTML links to associated data files and

related data sets. Line 5 of each data file is a list of the column names, and line 6 and following lines

contain the actual data.

9.1 Formulae

None given.

9. Data Manipulations

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

None given.

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

None given.

9.2.1 Processing Steps

None given.

9.2.2 Processing Changes

None given.

9.3 Calculations

None given.

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

None given.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

None given.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None given.

Page 11
10. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

None given.

10.2 Quality Assessment

Visual quality assessment during data collection. See reference list and helicopter logs. BOREAS

Information System (BORIS) staff viewed some of the JPEG imagery to verify data format. Some of

the video tape was viewed in the process of copying from Beta to VHS format.

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

None given.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

None given.

10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

None given.

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

None given.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

See Section 10.2.

11. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

None given.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

None given.

11.3 Usage Guidance

The video imagery was taken to capture visual conditions at the site during data collection that can

be referred to as necessary when using any of the helicopter data sets.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

None given.

12. Application of the Data Set

See Section 11.3.

13. Future Modifications and Plans

None.

Page 12
14. Software

14.1 Software Description

Avid VideoShop 3.0.2

14.2 Software Access

The software described is publicly available.

15. Data Access

The RSS-03 imagery and snapshots are available from the Earth Observing System Data and

Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive

Center (DAAC).

15.1 Contact Information

For BOREAS data and documentation please contact:

ORNL DAAC User Services

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

P.O. Box 2008 MS-6407

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6407

Phone: (423) 241-3952

Fax: (423) 574-4665

E-mail: ornldaac@ornl.gov or ornl@eos.nasa.gov

15.2 Data Center Identification

Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for Biogeochemical Dynamics

http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/.

15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data

Users may obtain data directly through the ORNL DAAC online search and order system

[http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/] and the anonymous FTP site [ftp://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/data/] or by

contacting User Services by electronic mail, telephone, fax, letter, or personal visit using the contact

information in Section 15.1.

15.4 Data Center Status/Plans

The ORNL DAAC is the primary source for BOREAS field measurement, image, GIS, and

hardcopy data products. The BOREAS CD-ROM and data referenced or listed in inventories on the

CD-ROM are available from the ORNL DAAC.

16. Output Products and Availability

16.1 Tape Products

None.

16.2 Film Products

The video tapes are in both VHS and Beta format.

Page 13
16.3 Other Products

The still imagery is provided as files in JPEG format. These data are available on the BOREAS

CD-ROM series.

17. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Walthall, C., D.L. Williams, B. Markham, J. Kalshoven, and R. Nelson. 1996. Development and

present configuration of the NASA GSFC/WFF helicopter-based remote sensing system. International

Geosciences and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) Spring 1996, Lincoln, Nebraska.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson,

A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. 2000. Collected Data of The

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM.

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94).

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994

Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 94).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996

Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 96).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, H. Margolis, B. Kelly, D. Baldocchi, G. den Hartog, J. Cihlar, M.G. Ryan, B.

Goodison, P. Crill, K.J. Ranson, D. Lettenmaier, and D.E. Wickland. 1995. The boreal

ecosystem-atmosphere study (BOREAS): an overview and early results from the 1994 field year.

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 76(9): 1549-1577.

Sellers, P.J., F.G. Hall, R.D. Kelly, A. Black, D. Baldocchi, J. Berry, M. Ryan, K.J. Ranson, P.M.

Crill, D.P. Lettenmaier, H. Margolis, J. Cihlar, J. Newcomer, D. Fitzjarrald, P.G. Jarvis, S.T.

Gower, D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison, D.E. Wickland, and F.E. Guertin. 1997. BOREAS

in 1997: Experiment Overview, Scientific Results and Future Directions. Journal of Geophysical

Research 102(D24): 28,731-28,770.

17.3 Arehive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

None.

18. Glossary of Terms

Page 14
A/D

AGL

ASCII

BOREAS

BORIS

CCD

CD-ROM

DAAC

FOV

GIS

GSFC

HTML

IFC

MMR

NAD83

NASA

NSA

OA

OBS

OJP

ORNL

PANP

RSS

SE-590

SSA

TM

URL

UTM

WFF

YA

YJP

19. List of Acronyms

- Analog-to-digital

- Above Ground Level

- American Standard Code for Information Interchange

- BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

- BOREAS Information System

- Charge-Coupled Device

- Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory

- Distributed Active Archive Center

- Field of View

- Geographic Information System

- Goddard Space Flight Center

- HyperText Markup Language

- Intensive Field Campaign

- Modular Multiband Radiometer

- North American Datum of 1983

- National Aeronautics and Space Administration

- Northern Study Area

- Old Aspen

- Old Black Spruce

- Old Jack Pine

- Oak Ridge National Laboratory

- Prince Albert National Park

- Remote Sensing Science

- Spectron Engineering spectroradiometer (SE590)

- Southern Study Area

- Thematic Mapper

- Uniform Resource Locator

- Universal Transverse Mercator

- Wallops Flight Facility

- Young Aspen

- Young Jack Pine

20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written: 30-Jun- 1997

Last Updated: 31-Aug- 1999

20.2 Document Review Dates

BORIS Review: 03-Dec- 1998

Science Review:

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

When using these data, please contact the individuals listed in Section 2.3 as well as citing relevant

papers in Section 17.2.

Page 15
If usingdatafromtheBOREASCD-ROM series,alsoreferencethedataas:

Walthall,C.L.,"BiophysicalSignificanceof SpectralVegetationIndicesin theBorealForest."In

CollectedDataof TheBorealEcosystem-AtmosphereStudy.Eds.J.Newcomer,D. Landis,S.

Conrad,S.Curd,K. Huemmrich,D.Knapp,A. Morrell, J.Nickeson,A. Papagno,D. Rinker,R.

Strub,T. Twine,F. Hall, andP. Sellers.CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

Also,citetheBOREASCD-ROMsetas:

Newcomer,J.,D. Landis,S.Conrad,S.Curd,K. Huemmrich,D. Knapp,A. Morrell, J.

Nickeson,A. Papagno,D. Rinker,R.Strub,T. Twine,F. Hall, andP.Sellers,eds.CollectedDataof

TheBorealEcosystem-AtmosphereStudy.NASA. CD-ROM.NASA, 2000.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Page 16
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FormApproved

OMB No. 0704-0188

Public reporting burden for this collection of informationis estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this

collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson

Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503.

1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

July 2000 Technical Memorandum

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS

Technical Report Series on the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

BOREAS RSS-3 hnagery and Snapshots from a Helicopter-Mounted Video

Camera 923

6. AUTHOR(S) RTOP: 923-462-33-01

Charles L. Walthall and Sara Loechel

Forrest G. Hall and Jaime Nickeson, Editors

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

8. PEFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

2000-03136-0

10. SPONSORING / MONITORING

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

TM--2000-209891

Vol. 48

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

C.L. Walthall: U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service; S. Loechel: University of Maryland;

J. Nickeson: Raytheon ITSS

12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassifie_Unlimited

Subject Category: 43

Report available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information,

7121 Standard Drive, Hanover, MD 21076-1320. (301) 621-0390.

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

The BOREAS RSS-3 team collected helicopter-based video coverage of forested sites acquired during

BOREAS as well as single-frame "snapshots" processed to still images. Helicopter data used in this

analysis were collected during all three 1994 IFCs (24-May to 16-Jun, 19-Jul to 10-Aug, and 30-Aug

to 19-Sep), at numerous tower and auxiliary sites in both the NSA and the SSA. The VHS-camera

observations correspond to other coincident helicopter measurements. The field of view of the camera

is unknown. The video tapes are in both VHS and Beta format. The still images are stored in JPEG

format.

14. SUBJECT TERMS

BOREAS, remote sensing science, VHS camera.

17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF REPORT

Unclassified

NSN 7540-01-280-5500

18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF THIS PAGE

Unclassified

19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF ABSTRACT

Unclassified

15. NUMBER OF PAGES

16

16. PRICE CODE

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

UL

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