1
  Terrain Mapping

By Dr. Richard B. Gomez, Research Professor, George Mason University

Workshop Level: Intermediate

2
  Fundamentals of Automated Feature Extraction (AFE)

By Dr. Pete Doucette, Scientist, ITT Corp
and
Dr. Tony Stefanidis, Associate Professor, George Mason University

Workshop Level: Introductory

Description:  This workshop covers fundamental methods of digitally represented terrain data, major technologies, and programs for generating terrain data; and assessing terrain data quality; and a variety of applications covering several civil and industrial applications.  The emphasis will be on the scientific principles involved and the transition of the technology to real world terrain mapping applications.  Topics that will be covered include Advanced Hyperspectral Concepts, Data Collection and Processing Systems, Imaging Radar Systems, Laser Systems, Data Fusion, Quantitative Remote Sensing Techniques, Case Studies, and U.S National Policy.  The quantitative remote sensing techniques will include N-Dimensional Analysis to include literal and non-literal information extraction techniques.  Applications and case studies will include environmental, homeland security, disaster mitigation, and transportation.  Ground, airborne, and spaceborne sensor remote sensing system including hyperspectral, synthetic aperture radar, and lidar are covered.

Workshop Objective:  To provide participants with an introduction to modern advanced remote sensing technology for use in terrain mapping and the basic fundamental physics involved in this technology.  The workshop will help prepare them (1) to undertake graduate advanced research in multi-sensor literal and non-literal data processing, (2) to participate in professional activities in this field of study, (3) broaden the participant's background in the general field of terrain mapping, and (4) prepare them to explore finding terrain mapping applications of this enabling technology in areas of interest to specific users.

Recommended Textbook: Digital Terrain Modeling: Principles and Methodology by Zhilin Li, Qing Zhu, Qung Zhu, Christopher Gold..  Publisher: CRC Press, Publication Date: November 2004.  ISBN-13: 9780415324625.

Description: This workshop will introduce fundamental concepts of Automated Feature Extraction (AFE) from user and developer perspectives. AFE generally refers to automating/assisting (to some extent) the processes of feature detection, delineation and/or attribution from images, which is normally done manually by human analysts. In this context, features represent typical GIS objects such as buildings, roads, vegetation areas, etc., which are delineated, stored, and utilized as vector data (i.e., points, lines and polygons). Traditional remote sensing and GIS software vendors have been developing AFE "tools" for their users over the course of many years. Resulting AFE algorithms have been increasing in maturity levels for supporting practical application in production environments. In this workshop we will explore the AFE algorithm development and evaluation process, demonstrate some commercial applications, and discuss their practical capabilities versus limitations.

3
 Accessing and Processing Public Domain Landsat Data

By Amanda O’Connor, Senior Account Manager, ITT Visual Software Solutions

Workshop Level: Intermediate

4
An Overview of Airborne and Terrestrial Data Sources for Disaster Response

By George Hoffman, Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton
and
David Szymanski, Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton

Workshop Level: Introductory

Description: With 35 years of archived Landsat data now available to the public for free, a powerful library of archived data can now be harnessed for analysis.  Whether you are interested in change detection analysis or land cover classification, Landsat data will provide an accurate, cost-effective solution to obtaining imagery for your projects.  If you're interested in fire management, water management, environmental monitoring or land use planning applications, Landsat data can be used to determine potential fire regions, baseline and historical vegetation mapping, and habitat changes over time.  All of the Landsat data can be visualized and analyzed in ENVI with its powerful, workflow-based tools. In this seminar you will learn how to:

• Find and acquire free Landsat data
• Perform important preprocessing tasks like calibration and registration
• Do accurate classification and change detection with easy to use workflows
• Use band ratios to extract detailed information
• See new tools that integrate ENVI with ArcGIS

This seminar will provide an overview and summary of tools for using Landsat data in ENVI and some example applications using Landsat data.

Description: Geospatial information has played a vital role supporting strategic planning and response operations during natural disasters. Over the years, we’ve seen a technological revolution in primary data collection from airborne sensors, ground-based sensors, GPS, and Web-based data sources. Government officials, first responders, and urban planners need to have an understanding of appropriate geospatial technology state-of-the-art so they can make wise decisions, which will impact people’s lives.

Considering the multiple, available options, we will provide a topical operations concept and a survey of recent, up-to-date capabilities for disaster planning and response. We’ll address the necessity to preplan and the application of real-time planning tools; airborne, ground, and sea-based primary data acquisition systems; geolocation and GPS technology; data link and communication systems; information from social networks; image processing and decision support tools; and policy concerns. Emphasis will be given to multiple sensor modalities including panchromatic, lidar, multi/hyperspectral. GPS solutions from web based services as well as on-board processing and RTK subscriptions will be highlighted. Also, the role of social networking sources including Google Earth, Twitter, and Facebook will be discussed.

We will include several real-world case studies that demonstrate the application of these cutting-edge technologies to disaster planning and response. A local government perspective will be provided by Yogendra Singh, retired Fairfax County, VA photogrammetrists. Technology demonstrations will be provided by Aljith Curtis highlighting Erdas Titan social networking software and Ed Yarish, highlighting ITT VIS Image Access Solutions capability. No prior knowledge of these capabilities is required; however some knowledge of remote sensing would be helpful.