Video Imagery: A New Remote Sensing Tool for Range Management

Abstract

A multi-video system that provides immediately useful narrowband black-and-white imagery within the visible to near-infrared light (0.40- to 1.10-micrometer waveband) region of the electromagnetic spectrum was evaluated as a remote sensing tool to assess several ecological rangeland ground conditions in southern Texas. The system provided imagery to detect many variables including: the presence of weeds, heavy grazing, fertilized grassland, burned areas, and gopher and ant mounds. Certain narrowband filters provided better discrimination among vegetation than others. For example, a red narrowband filter provided the best imagery to distinguish between fertilized and nonfertilized bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. These results demonstrated that narrowband multi-video imagery could assist in assessing some ecological ground conditions of rangelands.