Spectral analysis of coastal vegetation and land cover using AISA+ hyperspectral data

Abstract

This paper describes a spectral analysis of several coastal land cover types in South Padre Island, Texas using AISA+ hyperspectral remote sensing data. AISA+ hyperspectral data (1.5 metre) were acquired throughout the area on 9 March 2005. Data over mangrove areas were converted to percent reflectance using four 8×8 metre reflectance tarps (4%, 16%, 32% and 48%) and empirical line calibration. These data were then compared to percent reflectance values of other terrestrial features to determine the ability of AISA+ data to distinguish features in coastal environments. Results suggest that these data may be appropriate to discriminate coastal mangrove vegetation and provide researchers with high resolution spatial and spectral information to more effectively manage coastal ecosystems.