New Techniques for Mapping planted versus fallowed croplands using MODIS data

Apr 26 12:00PM

Brown Bag

New Techniques for Mapping planted versus fallowed croplands using MODIS data

WRRC, Sol Resnick Meeting Room, 350 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ

Cindy Wallace, Research Geographer, USGS Western Geographic Science Center

04/26/2018 - 12:00pm to 1:15pm

An important metric to monitor for optimizing water use in agricultural areas is the amount of cropland left fallowed, or unplanted. Fallowed croplands are difficult to model because they have many expressions; for example, they can be managed and remain free of vegetation or be abandoned and become weedy if the climate for that season permits. Western Geographic Science Center researchers used 250 m, 8-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data to develop an algorithm that can routinely map cropland status (planted or fallowed) with over 75% user’s and producer’s accuracies. The technique compares the current greenness of a cultivated pixel to its historical greenness and to the greenness of all cultivated pixels within a defined spatial neighborhood, and is therefore transportable across space and through time. The research is part of DOI’s WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program that is working to achieve a sustainable water strategy to meet the Nation’s water needs. Timely and accurate knowledge of the extent of fallowing can provide decision makers with insights and knowledge to mitigate the impacts of drought and provide a scientific basis for effective management response. The results are published in GIScience & Remote Sensing. Contact: Cynthia SA Wallace

Cynthia Wallace is a Research Geographer with the USGS Western Geographic Science Center who conducts interdisciplinary studies into areas of concern for natural resource management, such as invasive species, environmental change, water and food security, natural hazards and sustainability. Her research uses satellite imagery, spatial analysis and geographic information system (GIS) technologies to map natural phenomena and characterize the complex spatial and temporal variability of landscapes. She earned a PhD in Geography and Regional Development here at the University of Arizona, with a BS (Geology and Math) from the University of Minnesota- Duluth and an MS (Geology) from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

New Techniques for Mapping planted versus fallowed croplands using MODIS data View the Recorded Brown Bag Seminar Here (Requires registration)

Upcoming Events

Special Film Screening: Rivers and Tides - Loft Cinema

Join us for a special screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers and Tides (2001), hosted by the Loft Cinema. After the film, you are invited to a panel discussion and dynamic community conversation about how we value water and protect natural areas in Arizona. Panelists include:

Cody Sheehy, Director of Beyond the Mirage, Video Coordinator, UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Catlow Shipek, Founding Member, Policy and Technical Director, Watershed Management Group

Sep 6 8:30PM

Conference

Cobre Valley Water - Small Town Forum

The WRRC and Cobre Valley community partners are convening a forum to facilitate discussion about water resources management among elected officials, utility and planning staff, natural resources experts, and local leaders. In the relatively small area of 100 square miles, the Cobre Valley is home to a number of water uses, natural resources, and human communities.