Remote Sensing and GIS Integration

This book addresses three interconnected issues: theories, methods, and applications for the integration of remote sensing and GIS. First,different theoretical approaches to integration are examined. Specifically,this book looks at such issues as the levels, methodological approaches, and models of integration. The review then goes on to investigate practical methods for the integrated use of remote sensing and GIS data and technologies. Based on theoretical and methodological issues, this book next examines the current impediments, both conceptually and technically, to integration and their possible solutions.

Extensive discussions are directed toward the impact of computers,networks, and telecommunications technologies; the impact of the availability of high-resolution satellite images and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data; and, finally, the impact of new image-analysis algorithms on integration. A large portion of this book is dedicated to showcasing a series of application areas involving the integration of remote sensing and GIS. Each application area starts with an analysis of state-of-the-art methodology followed by a detailed presentation of a case study. The application areas include urban landuse and land-cover mapping, landscape characterization and analysis,urban feature extraction, building extraction with LiDAR data, urban heat island and local climate analysis, surface runoff modeling and analysis, the relationship between air quality and land-use patterns,population estimation, quality-of-life assessment, urban and regional development, and public health.