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Remote sensing at FEM-CEA

LANDSAT IMG
[ MODIS | ASTER | LANDSAT | SRTM | SPOT | SOFTWARE ]
Remote sensing
LANDSAT IMG In ecological and epidemiological modeling, survey data are usually collected at sampling sites and then regionalized in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). To enhance spatial data densities, continuous field data such as land surface temperatures (LST), snow coverage, and vegetation indices are commonly derived from satellite data.

The launches of the new satellite systems Terra (December 1999) and Aqua (May 2002) significantly improve the situation of data availability for scientific purposes and predictive epidemiological studies. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a key instrument on both Terra and Aqua satellites. As they deliver daily two global coverages at 250m (Red, NIR), 500m (MIR) and 1000m resolution (TIR), they are most interesting to support epidemiological studies. Usually one week after acquisition the data are available to the public.

MODIS sensor (Terra and Aqua satellites)
Related projects: ECODIS (in collaboration with MPBA at FBK, 2001-2004), EDEN (6th FP of EC, 2004-2009)

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a 36-channel from visible to thermal-infrared sensor that was launched as part of the Terra satellite payload in December 1999 and Aqua satellite (May 2002). The Terra satellite passes twice a day (at about 10:30am, and 22:30pm local time), also the Aqua satellite passes twice a day (at about 01:30am, and 13:30pm local time). We are using the following data products to enhance environmental and epidemiological studies:

References:
  • Carpi G., Cagnacci F., Neteler M., Rizzoli A: Tick infestation on roe deer in relation to geographic and remotely-sensed climatic variables in a tick-borne encephalitis endemic area. Epidemiology and Infection. In press [ PubMed ]
  • A. Rizzoli, M. Neteler, R. Rosà, W. Versini, A. Cristofolini, M. Bregoli, A. Buckley, E.A. Gould, 2007: Early detection of TBEv spatial distribution and activity in the Province of Trento assessed using serological and remotely-sensed climatic data. Geospatial Health, 1(2):169-176.
    [ Abstract | PDF | bib ]
  • M. Neteler, A. Rizzoli, R. Rosà, 2006: Enhancing spatial disease mapping through new satellite sensors: tick-borne Encephalitis in Trentino, Italy. 1st OIE International Conference: Use of GIS in Veterinary activities, Section: Data collection and Remote Sensing applications, 8-11 Oct., Silvi Marina (TE), Italy.
    [ Slides PDF ]
  • M. Neteler, 2005. Time series processing of MODIS satellite data for landscape epidemiological applications. International Journal of Geoinformatics. Special Issue on FOSS/GRASS 2004 & GIS-IDEAS 2004, 1(1), pp. 133-138, March 2005.
    [ bib | Abstract | PDF ]
  • S. Endrizzi, G. Bertoldi, M. Neteler, and R. Rigon, 2005. Reproduction of snow melting spatial patterns with the hydrologic model GEOtop. 2nd EGU General Assembly. Poster. In European Geophysical Union, Geophysical Research Abstracts; Vienna, Austria, 24-29 April 2005.
    [ bib | Poster PDF | Abstract ]
  • M. Neteler, 2004. MODIS time series remote sensing for epidemiological modeling. In Proc. GeoInformatics for Spatial-Infrastructure Development in Earth & Allied Sciences: GIS-IDEAS. 2004, Sept. 16-18, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2004.
    [ bib | http | PDF ]
See also: Collection 5 Land Reprocessing Plan and MODIS Land Collection 5 Changes.

ASTER sensor (Terra satellite)
The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) is a 14-channel visible to thermal-infrared sensor that was launched as part of the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra payload on 18 December 1999. ASTER is an on-demand instrument which unfortunately limits its usability for long term studies:
LANDSAT-TM5 and LANDSAT-TM 7 ETM+
Related project: WebValley 2004

The LANDSAT Project is a joint initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to gather Earth resource data using a series of satellites. LANDSAT-TM 7 was launched in 1999:

SRTM data
Related project: WebValley 2004

After waiting for some years (the mission was flown in 2/2000), the SRTM shuttle elevation data sets were made available for the entire globe (around 90m resolution, 0:00:03 deg). After postprocessing these data can be integrated into GIS projects when local high resolution elevation models are lacking:

Reference:
M. Neteler, 2005. SRTM and VMAP0 data in OGR and GRASS. GRASS Newsletter, Vol.3, pp 2-6, June 2005.
[ bib | PDF | Erratum 1/2006 (txt) ]

SPOT-VGT data
Related project: EDEN (Emerging Diseases in a changing European eNvironment) (IP/FP6)

ICESat data
ICESat (Ice, Cloud,and land Elevation Satellite) is the satellite mission for measuring ice sheet mass balance, cloud and aerosol heights, as well as land topography and vegetation characteristics.

Envisat data
In March 2002, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Envisat, an advanced polar-orbiting Earth observation satellite which provides measurements of the atmosphere, ocean, land, and ice.

Developed/Used Software
One of our mission is to support, enhance and distribute Free Software GIS. In fact, we are exclusively using Free Software/Open Source in our projects as it fits into our vision of transparent research. While hosting and co-developing one of the largest Free Software GIS projects, GRASS, we certainly make use of other related tools to enhance our spatial data toolbox.

Here some related links:

Data access: Further links:
Markus Neteler 2002 - 2008
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