Increasing Access to Satellite Data for Conservation
The Protected Area Archive Tool
Gary GellerJet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
February 2005
Data Access Page 2
Background
Observe: land cover, boundaries, threats…
Monitor change: in forest cover, land use…
Measure and map: areas and boundaries
Detect and map fires
Assess: for adaptive management
Predict: for proactive management
Communicate
How can satellite images help conservation practitioners?
Data Access Page 3
Example: Assess Encroachment
Dong Hua Sao NBCAIUCNCat VI
Data Access Page 4
Assess Encroachment
Landsat image
Village
1975
Data Access Page 5
Assess Encroachment
Landsat image
Village
1989
Data Access Page 6
Assess Encroachment
Landsat image
Village
2000
Data Access Page 7
Assess Encroachment
1 km
12 January 2002ASTER image
Zoom
Data Access Page 8
Current Situation
NASA has been collecting conservation-useful satellite data since 1972
• Traditionally
• Expensive
• Geared towards science and research
Recent massive increase in data available
Cost no longer an issue
• Loads of zero- and low-cost data available
Data Access Page 9
But There Are OBSTACLES…
Searching for and Ordering data
Using data
Data Access Page 10
Obstacles for Conservation Users
Too many sensors and products to choose from
Too many organizations offering data
Unfriendly search and order tools (EDG)
Contorted order processes (Glovis for ASTER L2)
Unfamiliar data formats (hdf)
Data complexity (multiband)
Expensive, sophisticated, and unfriendly tools (ENVI)
RS is a highly technical field
Internet access and bandwidth
Data Access Page 11
The Problem
To Summarize…
• Data access and analysis systems are for experts
Result…
• Many users are left out
• Data are underutilized
For land data
Data Access Page 12
Solutions
Two solutions are possible:
1. Training
2. Make satellite data easier to
• Obtain• Use
Protected AreaArchive
Data Access Page 13
Protected Area Archive
Creates collections of images on a particular theme
Packaged with tools to use them
Simple and intuitive
Audience: Users having no experience with RS
Requirements: No Internet or computer skills needed
Sunderbans
India and Bangladesh
Data Access Page 14
Demonstration
Data Access Page 15
Locator Map
Data Access Page 16
Collections
Data Access Page 17
Open Another Collection
Data Access Page 18
Zoom to Area of Interest
Double click to open
Data Access Page 19
Scene Displays
New scene displays
Data Access Page 20
Overlay Manager
• Click Overlay Manager
• Turn overlays on and off
• Add new overlays
Data Access Page 21
Measurement of Area and Distance
Draw a polygon using the mouse…
Get the area of the polygon
Data Access Page 22
Select Another Image Layer
Data Access Page 23
Change Analysis
Data Access Page 24
Annotate Image
Data Access Page 25
Status: Release
Version 1 completed in November
Released at IUCN World Conservation Congress
Working out plans for next release
Bombetoka Bay
Madagascar
Data Access Page 26
Status: Geographic Scope
Collections now available include
• Cambodia
• Thailand
• Uganda
• Sri Lanka
• Mekong trace
• Sunderbans
• UNESCO sites
• Birdlife International sites
New collections sometimes created on request (caveats)
Data Access Page 27
Plans: More Capabilities
More data layers (eg, MODIS)
More vector capabilities
Change analysis tools
Topographic layer, with draping capability
Mosaicking
Web-enabled
Web version
Edgemont National Park
New Zealand
Data Access Page 28
Plans: Big Picture
Formalized operations
Open source version
Collaborate with “on-the-ground” partners
Incorporate into training classes
Garamba National Park, DRC
Data Access Page 29
Formalized Operations
Permanent operational home needed
New name, broad appeal
Website for users to order collections
• Select specific ASTER images
• Select Landsat path/rows and epochs
Generate collection
Stage via ftp, or mail CD/DVD
Data Access Page 30
Open Source Version
Eliminates DOC Export constraints
Eliminates CalTech licensing constraints
Brings in existing OS capabiliites
Enlists OS community resources
Allows user community to create custom versions
Port from ESRI MapObjectsLT to OpenEV
Data Access Page 31
More
More information is available at
asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/paa
Top Related