ARS | Publication request: USING SPATIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES TO DISTINGUISH AND MAP INVASIVE AQUATIC WEEDS

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 15, 2004
Publication Date: March 15, 2005
Citation: Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Flores, D., Davis, M.R. 2005. Using spatial information technologies to distinguish and map invasive aquatic weeds. In: Pandalai, S.G., editor. Recent Research and Development in Environmental Biology. Kerala, India: Trivandrum. p. 593-617.

Technical Abstract: Invasive aquatic weeds are a serious problem in many freshwater ecosystems of the world. This paper presents an overview on the application of aerial photography and videography for detecting aquatic weeds in Texas (USA) waterways. Ground reflectance measurements have been used in conjunction with most of the studies to determine the spectral characteristics of the plants. Computer analyses of photographic and video images are used to quantify infestations and accuracy assessments are performed on classified images. Video imagery is integrated with global positioning system and geographic information system technologies to map weed infestations. Plant species addressed include waterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mort.) Solms], hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L. F.) Royle], giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta Mitchell), waterlettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.), and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.).