Machuca, Elizabeth K 3-17-23

CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY

Citation
Sabins, F. F., & Ellis, J. M. (2020). Remote Sensing: Principles, interpretation, and applications.
Waveland Press.

Introduction
The purpose of this assignment is for students to read Chapter 3 Landsat Images from the class textbook
and write a brief summary about it. Chapter 3 covers the various types of Landsat’s and the quality of
multispectral data each generation could capture. Topics discussed in this chapter include:
 First, Second and Third Generation of Landsat models
 Multispectral bands and characteristics
 World-wide Reference System (WRS)
 Applications of Landsat

Data
Landsat operates unmanned satellites that follow a sun- synchronis orbit pattern to record multispectral
data of Earth’s surface on a global basis. Three generations of Landsat satellites placed were placed in
orbit:
 First Gen - Multispectral Scanner (MSS)
 Second Gen – Thematic Mapper (TM) & Enhanced TM+ (ETM+)
 Third Gen – Operational Land Imager (OLI) & Thermal Infared Sensor (TIRS)

MSS Landsat used a cross-track scanning system that recorded 4 spectral bands of visible and near IR
(VNIR) images. TM and ETM+ Landsat carried improved imaging systems that recorded additional bands
5, 6, 7 and 8. Band 5 & 7 collects short IR light and Band 6 collects thermal IR energy. The ETM+
sensor added panchromatic band 8 that records VNIR wavelengths (.52 μm - .90μm). The OLI and
TIRS Landsat are equipped with an updated system that records visble, NIR, SWIR images and two TIR
bands. These satellites use an along-track (push broom) scanner that allows for longer dwell time
which results in higher resolution of images. Landsat images use a World-wide Reference System
(WRS) that catalogs data by Rows and Numbers. Paths run in south bound segments and Rows run
East-West in parallel lines. Applications of Landsat images can be used for snow and Ice mapping,
Bathymetry, Water quality, and determining the geology of an area like determining the altitude of beds
(Strike and Dip). All of the data collected from the chapter was then used to answer the following
questions:
1. You pant to use TM images to map a strip 150km wide spanning the border between the US and
Mexico from the Pacific Ocean through Arizona. The norther edge of the map will be border
between Utah and Arizona. List the path and row numbers for the Landsat scenes that will cover
this area. Refer to Figrue 3-9 to select the minimum number of images for the project.
Path040 - 035/row 034 - 038

2. Assume that your eyes have normal spacial resolution and that you are an astronaut traveling on
the Landsat 1 satellite (orbit altitude of 918km). What is the demension of the ground resolution
cell you observe? How does the resolving power of your eye compare with that of MSS images?
Angle (radians) = L/r
For eyes: L = 4 μm, r = 20,000 μm
- IFOV = L/r = 4/20,000 = 0.0002 = 0.2 rad

Astronaut in Landsat 1: r = 918,000 m, IFOV = 0.0002 rad

- L = IFOV x r = 0.0002 x 918,000 = 183.6 m

MSS images GR cell = 57m

Eyes have less resolving power compared to MSS sensor.

3. Calculate the ground resolution of your eyes if you were an observer on the Landsat 5 satellite.
How does this resolving power compare with that of TM images?
Landsat TM 5 distance = 705,000 = 141 m
L = IFOV x r = 0.0002 x 705,000 = 141 m

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Machuca, Elizabeth K 3-17-23

CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY

4. Compare the spectral range of the eye with the spectral ranges of the Landsat MSS and OLI
systems.
MSS: 0.5 to 1.10nm (G-R-NIR)
TM: 0.44 to 0.9nm (B-G-R-NIR) : panchromatic 0.52 to 0.90nm
OLI: 0.43 to 0.88nm (short B-B-G-R-NIR) : Panchromatic 0.5 to 0.68nm

5. Based on the analyses for questions 3 and 4, discuss the relative merits of Earth observation
made by an astronaut versus the Landsat TM.
Landsat TM captures a broader range of wavelength as separate bands (multispectral)
compared with the eye that captures only visible as one band. More spectral info in TM.
6.

6. What Landsat 8 OLI bands would be most useful for mapping in cloudy tropical areas? OLI band
9

7. Why is Landsat 8 OLI bad 9 included in the instrument? Thin clouds aren’t usually dectectable
on image bands and the reflectance from the clouds degrades the quality of the images.
Band 9 improves the accuracy for interpreting the images of area.

8. Which TM and OLI band(s) would you use for bathymetric mapping in clear water? TM (1-2-3)
OLI (2-3-4) Natural color image

9. Critique and correct this statement image interpreter: “In the Landsat image, straight and aligned
stream segments over 10km in length form linears that are undoubtedly faults, although no
geologic maps are available and I have not filed-checked the area”.
It is uncorrect to say that the linear marks in the image are undoubtedly geologic Structures
just by viewing on a Landsat image. An image is not enough proof to confidently say there is
a fault just because there are linear marks, investigationing the area is needed to prove that
there is signs of faulting. “In the Landsat image, straight and alighted stream segments over
10km in length form linears that could be possible faults. Although no geologic maps are
available, the area must be investigated for further information to confirm there are faults in
the captured image being analyzed.

Conclusion
The evolution of Landsat imaging and its improvemts in image quality important for students to
understand how and why specific bands were developed for analyzing specific characteristics of an image.
Depending of the type of color composite image the user creates can help discover valuable information
that is needed for research or projects.

Future Work
No comment.

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Machuca, Elizabeth K 3-17-23

CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY

Teams and Self Evaluations

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF TEAMWORK
This evaluation will ask you to reflect on your team as a whole. It consists of a series of scales (strongly
agree to strongly disagree) and true/false questions aimed to get an overview of overall team interactions.
*For the following, mark the box that corresponds to your choice.

Strongly Agree Neither Disagre Strongly Total

Questions Agree (2 points) Agree e Disagree N/A True False scor
(3 points) or (1 (0 points) e
Disagre point)
e
1. The
workload is
evenly
distributed
across the
team
2. Team
interactions
are positive
and
productive
3. The team
works well
together
overall
Total Score
True or False:
There is at
least one
member that
disrupts the
overall
learning of the
team
True or False:
There is at
least one
member
whose
attendance or
participation
is hurting the
team
True or False:
I like team-
based learning
better now
than when the
course started
Total Score

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Machuca, Elizabeth K 3-17-23

CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY

Self and Team Reflection

It is not enough to just say we work well together or did not work well together, but to explain why.
My partner and I get along very well so Its easy to collaborate with him.

It is not enough to say the work was evenly distributed or not evenly distributed, but to explain why.
I feel that we both put In the same amount of work and we both are able to help each other with
questions.

It is not enough to say whether the team’s interactions are positive or productive or not, but to explain
why or who, or what makes the team interactions. Did you meet in person or use Teams as your digital
communication resource, etc.?
We have a group chat on GroupMe Incase we have questions over any assignments.

Assignment Assessment – your feedback is important to and helps improve our training. Provide
your comments and suggestions.

1. What is your overall rating of this training?

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

2. How much of what you learned will you be able to apply to your job?

All of what I learned

Most of what I learned

Some of what I learned

None of what I learned

3. Would you recommend this training to others?

Yes

No

Not sure

4. Do you have any comments or specific recommendations? This portion of the report is for
students to provide constructive feedback about the assignment. Please provide a short
explanation of how this assignment went well and what things could be done to improve student
understanding and experience.
I liked this chapter because I learned new information about the types of satellites that
were deployed and that all of the images are free to view for the public. Very interesting
information.

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