Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-xtgtn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T15:26:20.768Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Utility of Historical Aerial Photographs for Detecting and Judging the Effectiveness of Rangeland Remediation Treatments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2005

Albert Rango
Affiliation:
USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Kris Havstad
Affiliation:
USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Aerial photographs are a type of remote sensing data that are especially valuable for rangeland applications. Advantages of these data include relative ease of interpretation and acquisition, affordability, high resolution (1–2 meters), and provision of a common reference for communication among those involved in rangeland management. Additionally, air photos are especially well suited for analysis of historical rangeland remediation treatments because acquisition of widespread aerial photographic coverage began during the 1930s. Several types of treatments can be easily identified and monitored over time, including contour terraces, brush water spreaders, rootplow seeding, water ponding dikes, shrub removal by grubbing, and grazing restrictions. The use of archived aerial photographs allows the opportunity to recreate the management history of rangeland, as well as to serve as a point of departure for involvement in more sophisticated satellite-based remote sensing systems.

Type
COMMENTARY
Copyright
© 2003 National Association of Environmental Professionals