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ARS Home Plains Area Las Cruces, New Mexico Range Management Research Docs





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 Manuals & PublicationsTraining Materials & ProgramsMonitoring Projects
     Image Interpreter Tool About the Image Interpreter Tool The Image Interpreter Tool was designed to allow users to easily identify point locations overlaid on high resolution imagery into general vegetation or ground cover types in a repeatable fashion. This tool mimics field sampling methods (i.e., line point intercept) using remotely sensed data and "virtual" points along transects. Image Interpreter has two main components: a calibration procedure (including training and testing modes) and a data interpretation procedure. Both components utilize a simple to use and intuitive interface for users familiar with ArcMap 9.3. The training mode is designed to teach the user to correctly identify each ground cover type and provide training on the basic mechanics of tool. Testing mode evaluates how well a user can identify cover types by comparing individual results to a training dataset. Individual users ability to identify ground cover can be calibrated using these procedures to ensure repeatability among many users or project trials. Download a whitepaper describing the Image Interpreter Tool here.  Image Interpreter Tool Features Easy, direct integration into ArcGIS 9.3 (nothing additional to install)Simple and intuitive interface for users familiar with ArcMapQuickly attribute sample locations in a repeatable fashionAttribute data is saved automatically at each locationCan be used on portable storage devices (e.g., USB thumb drive)Toggle between Color-IR and True Color (RGB) views with one clickCan navigate sequentially or jump to any selected locationProvides platform to easily replicate classifications among many observers of project trialsGenerate ground cover percentages by plot and by transect and save results as simple.dbf fileEffort can be compared among users or to training datasets to ensure consistent resultsUsername and date stamp recorded at each sample locationExisting interpretation data can be re-evaluated and modified"Detail Type" toggle option for additional attributes (i.e., species) to be recorded at each siteAny "Detail Type" entered becomes available via dropdown for subsequent locationsCustomizable to accommodate project objectives
 Download the Image Interpreter Tool
  Data Collection This section contains blank data forms that accompany the Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland and Savanna Ecosystems.  In addition, Excel files are available for your PC and PDA that contain automatic indicator calculations for the same methods.  Please see the Database for Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment (DIMA) to store, collect and manage data sets. Paper Data FormsExcel Data Forms


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