Visual interpretation of vegetation classes from airborne videography: An evaluation of observer proficiency with minimal training

Abstract

This study evaluated the ability of individual subjects and small groups to correctly identify Arizona plant communities from color airvideo footage, explored the relationship of five background variables to subjects' success, and determined which community types were easiest and most difficult for subjects to identify. Forty-six volunteers from the University of Arizona School of Renewable Natural Resources participated in a multiple-choice pretest-posttest experiment using 30 different plant communities depicted in one-minute segments of videotape. Three hours of training increased mean individual score from 7 correct (pretest) to 21 correct (posttest), and mean group score from 11 to 24. All respondents significantly improved their performance, regardless of background. Posttest results showed no significant difference in ability among individuals or between individuals and groups. The most difficult community to identify was creosote-tarbush desertscrub; the easiest was paloverde-saguaro desertscrub. Findings support the feasibility of video interpretation by minimally-trained personnel.