BLM-DSC-PT-83-003-4420
This report primarily concerns the use of Landsat digital data as an aid in the soil survey mapping efforts taking place on Federal, particularly BLM, lands in the western United States. Its purpose is to help BLM personnel become more familiar with the use and potential of Landsat data for soil survey work. The procedures and ideas presented in this report are those being used at the time of this writing (Fall, 1982). Changing technology and experience may warrant updates of this methodology in the future.
In order to better understand how Landsat data can he used in resource investigations, a brief description must be given of the Landsat system and the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, this report contains several appendices which describe Landsat, the electromagnetic spectrum, the types of image analysis equipment used by the BLM's Branch of Scientific Systems Applications at the Denver Service Center, a general outline of the steps taken in a BLM remote sensing project, and the procedures and forms required for those interested in ordering Landsat imagery.
The body of the report describes a project in southwestern Idaho where Landsat digital data were used as an aid in an Order 3 soil survey. Laboratory procedures, field observations, and results are given. This is followed by a discussion of the use of Landsat data in the soil survey process. Also, procedural recommendations for future soils remote sensing projects are given.
It should be stated that the use of product brand names in this report does not necessarily indicate BLM endorsement of those particular brands.