Comparison of Thematic Mapper and NOARL Scanner Multispectral Bathymetry Estimates
Abstract
The Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy Division of the NOARL investigates methods to exploit the application of multispectral data to coastal water mapping and charting requirements. The Coastal Image Understanding project high- resolution, multispectral, aircraft data has been examined and compared with lower-resolution satellite data from the thematic mapper on board NASA's Landsat. The high-resolution, nine-band scanner used was developed for the Airborne Bathymetric Survey System. The NOARL scanner has increased spectral sensitivity in the blue and green portions of the electromagnetic spectrum to take advantage of the water-penetrating bands, the multiband generalized ratio model is used to compare bathymetry estimates from the scanner and the thematic mapper, which has five bands. Results show improvement from increased resolution in the 3-m to 6-m area. Root-mean-square (RMS) errors of 0.323 m at the 3-m depth range for the NOARL Scanner are close to the International Hydrographic Office standard of 0.3 m; however, errors at other depth ranges exceed this standard by even greater values. RMS errors of 0.544 m for the NOARL scanner contrast with 0.907 m for the thematic mapper at the 4-m range. Beyond 6-m depth, results do not differ significantly between the two scanners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226273
Entities
People
- Charles L. Walker
- Harold V. Miller
- Maria T. Kalcic
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory