Tree Speciation of the Gainesville State College Campus Through Use of Object Based Imaging Techniques

Abstract

Can tree species, specifically those on the Gainesville State College campus, be identified through the use of high resolution imagery? This paper and PowerPoint involve taking aerial and 3-D images and determining what tree species are within the view through specialized techniques and software. The method used to discern this involved taking previously identified trees and determining the height and spectral characteristics from each species and creating a workflow that would predict the species of unknown trees on the campus. The work of (ex-GSC student) Jose Martin is used to identify the tree species in question. NAIP imagery used for the project was not ideal and corrected (or higher resolution) imagery may be required to perform this with more accuracy. The presentation goal is to make the concepts of remote sensing understandable to the lay person and clearly describe the steps taken to derive the results. Some introductory image processing techniques will be discussed and simply presented. The PowerPoint will contain many images that will detail the process more thoroughly. Another goal of the project is to highlight the IESA program to the rest of the campus.