--> Abstract: Land-use / Land-cover Classification of West Central Alabama using Landsat Thematic Mapper Data, by G. D. Irvin, K. E. Richter, and B. H. Tew; #90932 (1998).

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Abstract: Land-use / Land-cover Classification of West Central Alabama using Landsat Thematic Mapper Data

IRVIN, G. D., K. E. RICHTER, and B. H. TEW
Geological Survey of Alabama, P.O. Box 0, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-9780

Rapidly changing land use patterns, along with urban expansion and the need for natural resource monitoring in Alabama, all have pointed to the need for readily updatable, comprehensive, and accurate land-use / land-cover information. The most cost-effective and efficient way to produce these data sets is through the use of satellite data. The Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA) is in the process of producing land-use / land-cover maps for central and southwestern Alabama using digital image processing of Landsat Thematic Mapper data. The study area includes parts of all of the major physiographic regions in the state and a variety of environmental settings. The watersheds of the Tombigbee, Black Warrior, and the Mobile River systems; the northern part of the Mobile River Delta; and most of the Cahaba River watershed are also included.

Multispectral classification will be performed on the satellite imagery using both supervised and unsupervised techniques. Information classes will then be extracted from this classification for import and use in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Ancillary data will also be used to enhance the classification. This database will be of great utility to various federal, state, and local agencies as well as regional, county, and local planning commissions; county and local governments; private business and industries; and the general public, for a variety of applications.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90932©1998 GCAGS/GCS-SEPM Meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas