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<br />. , <br /> <br />I. Established detailed scope of work (SOW) for airborne data collections. including <br />image. photogrammctric. and L1DAR data. The SOW should only require minor <br />modifications for future data collections based on particular data requirements for a <br />given year. <br />2. Established the image data characteristics that need to be obtained for overall GCMRC <br />protocols. These characteristics include spatial resolution, band number and <br />wavelengths. positional accuracy, preference for digital sensors that can record a large <br />dynamic range. and calibrated sensors with 2-3% radiometric accuracy (see above list). <br />3. Established the optimal period for airborne image data collection. This was found to be <br />the summer solstice when wall shadows are minimal. but also includes time-of-day <br />restrictions on data collection (Figures 19-20). <br />4. Established the best airborne approach for terrestrial topography. Very high-rcsolution <br />L1DAR for specific areas and ISTAR DSM data for wide-area analyses seems to be the <br />most appropriate approaches for non-invasive topographic and canopy volume mapping. <br />5. Established the protocols for digital archiving the GCMRC photographic archive. The <br />photographic library records the changes Ihat have occurred within the CRE over the <br />past 20 years. It is in serious danger of further degradation due to misuse and <br />misplacement of photos. This library is also one of the least accessible data sets due to <br />its formal. Conversion of this library to digital formal has now commenced. <br />6. Because all data are now delivered in digital format and are stored in an accessible on- <br />line archive. cooperators are now making more and better use of airborne data. When <br />these data are provided in rectified form. cooperators are able to perform more accurate <br />analyses in a much shorter time. thus increasing their productivity. Because of this, use <br />of airborne data is ever increasing in all the monitoring programs. <br /> <br />8.0 Future Challenges for the GCMRC Remote Sensing Program <br /> <br />I. Finding a good contracting vchicle. This is by far the most difticult and frustrating <br />challenge facing GCMRC airborne data collection. The existing remote-sensing QBS <br />(Quality Based Selection) conlract within the USGS has cumbersome management <br />controls with a large overhead charge (17%). In addition, the existing QBS contract <br />personnel appear to be more sympathetic 10 commercial profit margins than to USGS <br />science requirements. GCMRC needs to establish its own (QBS) contract for their <br />monitoring needs. <br />2. Enforcement of established standards for delivered data and delivery schedules. This <br />may never get easier unless future data are collectP~.by a set of contractors who become <br />familiar with GCMRC standards and expectations. <br />3. Enforcement of the slatement of work for airborne data collections. This needs attention <br />during each data collection so that contractors do not relax the specifications. <br />4. Keeping up with latest remote-sensing technologies for GCMRC protocols. which change <br />within a givcn year. This is a never-ending process, but also a critical process in order to <br />ensure that the best (or acceptable) data are collected for GCMRC protocols and at a <br />reasonable price. Performing this timction for GCMRC requires that personnel within <br />GCMRC (preferably Infonnation Technology) actually research new data to better <br />understand its true capabilities and limitations. In many instances we have fOllnd the <br />claims made by remote-sensing firms to be overly optimistic or not applicable to the <br />CRE. Only after interrogating data and questioning commerciallinns on specilic issues <br />did we receive more accurate or realistic statements from commercial firms. <br />5. Maintaining the ever-increasing volume of collected data so that it is safe and accessible. <br />The most critical factor here is preservation of data. Duplicate copies of data necd to be <br /> <br />28 <br />