Evaluation and comparison of ERTS measurements of major crops and soil associations for selected sites in the central United States

The author has identified the following significant results. The most significant result was the use of the temporal overlay technique where the computer was used to overlay ERTS-1 data from three different dates (9 Oct., 14 Nov., 2 Dec.). The registration of MSS digital data from different dates was estimated to be accurate within one half resolution element. The temporal overlay capability provides a significant advance in machine-processing of MSS data. It is no longer essential to go through the tedious exercise of locating ground observation sites on the digital data from each ERTS-1 overpass. Once the address of a ground observation site has been located on a digital tape from any ERTS-1 overpass, the overlay technique can be used to locate the same address on a digital tape of MSS data from any other ERTS-1 pass over the same area. The temporal overlay technique also adds a valuable dimension for identifying and mapping changes in vegetation, water, and other dynamic surface features.