Location: Southeast Watershed Research
Project Number: 6048-13000-029-001-M
Project Type: Memorandum of Understanding
Start Date: Apr 1, 2024
End Date: Mar 31, 2027
Objective:
The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen the collaborations between the Participants in areas of mutual interest through cooperative research programs and exchanges. To this end, the Participants intend jointly to explore and coordinate research activities of mutual interest which are to be implemented by mutual understanding and in conformance with the regulations and policies of both Participants.
Approach:
A multidisciplinary team of remote sensing, geospatial, and data scientists will perform tasks to accomplish the objectives. Major tasks associated with the objectives include: 1), evaluate current remotely sensed observational data for use with national estimates of conservation data; 2), develop and improve mapping methods to ensure accurate estimation of spatial data products; 3), test calibration and validation processes for observational data products that require further development; and 4), develop scaling algorithms to extend data products into geographic regions where data are scarce. Tasks will be accomplished utilizing high-performance computing environments with access to published and unpublished data provided by collaborating USDA team leads from Economic Research Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The research team, which incorporates ARS scientists along with other USDA Action Area #6 team members will, collaborate on the production of data products that accurately map tillage practices, cover crops, and management practices.
