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Development and application of a new comprehensive image-based classification scheme for coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf
Title
Development and application of a new comprehensive image-based classification scheme for coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf.
Creator
Makowski, Christopher, Finkl, Charles W., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description
The coastal (terrestrial) and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf show a unique biophysical succession of marine features from a highly urbanized, developed coastal region in the north (i.e. northern Miami-Dade County) to a protective marine sanctuary in the southeast (i.e. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). However, the establishment of a standard bio-geomorphological classification scheme for this area of coastal and benthic environments is lacking. The...
Show moreThe coastal (terrestrial) and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf show a unique biophysical succession of marine features from a highly urbanized, developed coastal region in the north (i.e. northern Miami-Dade County) to a protective marine sanctuary in the southeast (i.e. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). However, the establishment of a standard bio-geomorphological classification scheme for this area of coastal and benthic environments is lacking. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis and answer the research question of whether new parameters of integrating geomorphological components with dominant biological covers could be developed and applied across multiple remote sensing platforms for an innovative way to identify, interpret, and classify diverse coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf. An ordered, manageable hierarchical classification scheme was developed to incorporate the categories of Physiographic Realm, Morphodynamic Zone, Geoform, Landform, Dominant Surface Sediment, and Dominant Biological Cover. Six different remote sensing platforms (i.e. five multi-spectral satellite image sensors and one high-resolution aerial orthoimagery) were acquired, delineated according to the new classification scheme, and compared to determine optimal formats for classifying the study area. Cognitive digital classification at a nominal scale of 1:6000 proved to be more accurate than autoclassification programs and therefore used to differentiate coastal marine environments based on spectral reflectance characteristics, such as color, tone, saturation, pattern, and texture of the seafloor topology. In addition, attribute tables were created in conjugation with interpretations to quantify and compare the spatial relationships between classificatory units. IKONOS-2 satellite imagery was determined to be the optimal platform for applying the hierarchical classification scheme. However, each remote sensing platform had beneficial properties depending on research goals, logistical restrictions, and financial support. This study concluded that a new hierarchical comprehensive classification scheme for identifying coastal marine environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf could be achieved by integrating geomorphological features with biological coverages. This newly developed scheme, which can be applied across multiple remote sensing platforms with GIS software, establishes an innovative classification protocol to be used in future research studies.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004135, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004135
Subject Headings
Benthos -- Habitat -- Maps, Environmental mapping, Marine ecology -- Florida, Marine ecology -- Florida, Ubiquitous computing
Format
Document (PDF)
Object Oriented Classification of Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia), an Invasive Exotic Species in South Florida
Title
Object Oriented Classification of Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia), an Invasive Exotic Species in South Florida.
Creator
Johnson, Brian A., Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description
Invasive exotic plant species cause a number of problems in native south Florida ecosystems, and a great deal of effort is being put into controlling the populations ofthese species. Control efforts require updated information on the locations of exotic species. This information can be obtained from high resolution remotely sensed data such as digital orthoimagery and LIDAR. Extraction of information from these data sources is often problematic using traditional pixel-based image processing...
Show moreInvasive exotic plant species cause a number of problems in native south Florida ecosystems, and a great deal of effort is being put into controlling the populations ofthese species. Control efforts require updated information on the locations of exotic species. This information can be obtained from high resolution remotely sensed data such as digital orthoimagery and LIDAR. Extraction of information from these data sources is often problematic using traditional pixel-based image processing techniques. An object oriented method of image analysis, however, has been shown to be better suited to this task. One invasive exotic species that has become widespread in south Florida is Casuarina equisetifolia, also known as Australian pine. This study develops a semiautomated procedure for detecting Australian pine over a large, diverse area with high resolution remotely sensed data using the object oriented method of analysis.
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Date Issued
2007
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000775
Subject Headings
Ecology--Remote sensing, Aerial photogrammetry
Format
Document (PDF)
Interpretation of beach and nearshore morphodynamics, based on detailed geomorphological mapping
Title
Interpretation of beach and nearshore morphodynamics, based on detailed geomorphological mapping.
Creator
Benedet, Lindino, Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W.
Abstract/Description
Shorelines are prefigured by inherited geologic features and spatially-defined process-form relationships that require in depth study. This thesis is based on the interpretation, delineation, and analysis of coastal geomorphological features, as mapped from large-scale (e.g. 1:3600), digital, georeferenced, stereo-paired, color, aerial photography. The morphologic features identified include coral-algae reef tracts, rock reefs, sedimentary features such as bars, troughs, and sandflats, and...
Show moreShorelines are prefigured by inherited geologic features and spatially-defined process-form relationships that require in depth study. This thesis is based on the interpretation, delineation, and analysis of coastal geomorphological features, as mapped from large-scale (e.g. 1:3600), digital, georeferenced, stereo-paired, color, aerial photography. The morphologic features identified include coral-algae reef tracts, rock reefs, sedimentary features such as bars, troughs, and sandflats, and different types of engineering works. Interrelationships between these morphologic features are analyzed using a remote sensing-GIS/MIS (Geographic and Marine Information Systems) framework, and applying interpretive approaches in the analysis of beach and nearshore morphodynamics. Sediment and wave data is used to calculate the dimensionless fall velocity (O), which combined with local geomorphology, defines beach types. Special purpose geomorphological and morphodynamic maps generated here, together with assessment of beach types and analysis of downdrift erosion provides new insights and deep understanding of large scale coastal behavior, which is of great use to management planning strategies.
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Date Issued
2002
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12969
Subject Headings
Geomorphological mapping, Environmental monitoring, Aerial photography in geomorphology, Coastal zone management
Format
Document (PDF)
Elevated pCO2 effects on the macroalgal genus Halimeda: Potential roles of photophysiology and morphology
Title
Elevated pCO2 effects on the macroalgal genus Halimeda: Potential roles of photophysiology and morphology.
Creator
Peach, Katherine, Koch, Marguerite, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
While ocean acidification (OA) is predicted to inhibit calcification in marine macroalgae, species whose photosynthesis is limited by current dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels may benefit. Furthermore, variations in macroalgal morphology will likely give rise to a range of OA tolerance in calcifying macroalgae. One genus of calcifying macroalgae that has shown varying species’ tolerance to OA is Halimeda, a major carbonate sediment producer on tropical reefs. Species within this genus...
Show moreWhile ocean acidification (OA) is predicted to inhibit calcification in marine macroalgae, species whose photosynthesis is limited by current dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels may benefit. Furthermore, variations in macroalgal morphology will likely give rise to a range of OA tolerance in calcifying macroalgae. One genus of calcifying macroalgae that has shown varying species’ tolerance to OA is Halimeda, a major carbonate sediment producer on tropical reefs. Species within this genus occupy a range of habitats within tropical environments (reefs and lagoons), illustrating their ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions (e.g. carbonate chemistry, irradiance). To date it is not clear if morphological and photophysiological diversity in Halimeda will translate to different tolerances to OA conditions (elevated pCO2 and lower pH).
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Date Issued
2016
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004621
Subject Headings
Coral reef ecology., Chemical oceanography., Halimeda., Environmental mapping., Plants--Effect of light on., Plant physiology., Photobiology., Carbon cycle (Biogeochemistry)
Format
Document (PDF)
Water and Soil Salinity Mapping for Southern Everglades using Remote Sensing Techniques and In Situ Observations
Title
Water and Soil Salinity Mapping for Southern Everglades using Remote Sensing Techniques and In Situ Observations.
Creator
Khadim, Fahad Khan, Su, Hongbo, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description
Everglades National Park is a hydro-ecologically significant wetland experiencing salinity ingress over the years. This motivated our study to map water salinity using a spatially weighted optimization model (SWOM); and soil salinity using land cover classes and EC thresholds. SWOM was calibrated and validated at 3-km grids with actual salinity for 1998–2001, and yielded acceptable R2 (0.89-0.92) and RMSE (1.73-1.92 ppt). Afterwards, seasonal water salinity mapping for 1996–97, 2004–05, and...
Show moreEverglades National Park is a hydro-ecologically significant wetland experiencing salinity ingress over the years. This motivated our study to map water salinity using a spatially weighted optimization model (SWOM); and soil salinity using land cover classes and EC thresholds. SWOM was calibrated and validated at 3-km grids with actual salinity for 1998–2001, and yielded acceptable R2 (0.89-0.92) and RMSE (1.73-1.92 ppt). Afterwards, seasonal water salinity mapping for 1996–97, 2004–05, and 2016 was carried out. For soil salinity mapping, supervised land cover classification was firstly carried out for 1996, 2000, 2006, 2010 and 2015; with the first four providing average accuracies of 82%-94% against existing NLCD classifications. The land cover classes and EC thresholds helped mapping four soil salinity classes namely, the non saline (EC = 0~2 dS/m), low saline (EC = 2~4 dS/m), moderate saline (EC = 4~8 dS/m) and high saline (EC >8 dS/m) areas.
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Date Issued
2017
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004860, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004860
Subject Headings
Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Florida Bay (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Remote sensing., Multispectral imaging., Environmental monitoring--Remote sensing., Geographic information systems., Soils--Remote sensing., Soil moisture--Measurement., Soil mapping.
Format
Document (PDF)
Mapping and analyzing the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County in relation to major storm events in a GIS database
Title
Mapping and analyzing the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County in relation to major storm events in a GIS database.
Creator
Pitti, Joseph G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description
The Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially...
Show moreThe Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially automated method of mapping. There are notable changes in reef structure throughout the years 2004-2006, in which many major storm events occurred in the region. A time series analysis was conducted throughout these years. Losses and gains of reef structure were quantified and compared throughout the county as a whole, in beach renourishment project areas, and inlet intervals. Trends suggest that the major storms of 2004-2006 may have had effects on the reef tract.
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Date Issued
2011
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3172425
Subject Headings
Continental shelf, Mapping, Geographic information systems, Coral reef ecology, Environmental geology, Coral reefs and islands
Format
Document (PDF)
Mapping wetland vegetation with LIDAR in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Title
Mapping wetland vegetation with LIDAR in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA.
Creator
De Stoppelaire, Georgia H., Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description
Knowledge of the geospatial distribution of vegetation is fundamental for resource management. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible use of airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data to improve classification accuracy of high spatial resolution optical imagery and compare the ability of two classification algorithms to accurately identify and map wetland vegetation communities. In this study, high resolution imagery integrated with LIDAR data was compared jointly...
Show moreKnowledge of the geospatial distribution of vegetation is fundamental for resource management. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible use of airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data to improve classification accuracy of high spatial resolution optical imagery and compare the ability of two classification algorithms to accurately identify and map wetland vegetation communities. In this study, high resolution imagery integrated with LIDAR data was compared jointly and alone; and the nearest neighbor (NN) and machine learning random forest (RF) classifiers were assessed in semi-automated geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) approaches for classification accuracy of heterogeneous vegetation assemblages at Everglades National Park, FL, USA.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004276
Subject Headings
Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Geographic information systems--Florida--Everglades Region., Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades Region., Vegetation monitoring--Florida--Everglades National Park., Wetland management--Florida--Everglades National Park., Coastal zone management--Remote sensing--Florida--Everglades National Park., Environmental mapping--Florida--Everglades National Park., Environmental monitoring--Remote sensing--Florida--Everglades National Park.
Format
Document (PDF)