GEOM30009 IMAGING THE ENVIRONMENT

IMAGE PROCESSING EXERCISE

SEMESTER 1, 2015
DUE DATE: 11 MAY 2015 @ 10AM

EXERCISE INFORMATION
OBJECTIVES
This exercise will introduce the basics of image processing. A software called ER-Mapper will be used to inspect and
manipulate an image of Greater Melbourne. In this first week, you will display the images, using their composition
bands to extract information from the image.
BACKGROUND
Remote Sensing has its origins in ground and aerial photography. The modern era of Remote Sensing has evolved as
two technologies have been developed. Both sophisticated electro-optical sensors and computer based image
manipulation have allowed the enhancement and manipulation of aerial and satellite imagery.
Analysis and interpretation of images can be supported by one fundamental technique, histogram stretching. This
technique often produces sharper and pleasing images. The price for this clarity is often lost information, especially in
the grey levels. Remember this as you manipulate Melbourne.
DATA
The files you will be using are on LMS.
LANDSAT TM Data has 7 bands. In the first link below on P5 you can find the bandwidths and their respective resolution.
LANDSAT Handbook

http://landsathandbook.gsfc.nasa.gov/pdfs/Landsat7_Handbook.pdf

NASA's Thematic Mapper Site

http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/about/tm.html

SOFTWARE
User Guide

https://p.widencdn.net/h69jxv

TASK IMAGE PROCESSING

1.
2.
3.

Copy the Melb.ers and MELB files from the LMS to your disc area. The files must be named MELB (with no
extension) and MELB.ERS. If it is named MELB(1) or something else ERDAS will not recognise it.
Open ER-Mapper.
Use the open file icon to open your disc area and select the Melb.ers file. It will open automatically in a new
window.

4.

Use the Edit Algorithm icon to select different bands for different colour guns. Try different colour band
combinations. In particular, investigate:
a. true colour (Default)
b. the MSS Composite false colour (B2 to Blue, B3 to Green and B4 to Red) and
c. a full IR false colour image (B4 to Blue, B5 to Green and B7 to Red)

5.

Stretch the image contrast using the histogram icon.

a. The Image stretch window will then open. Use the Limits key to set the data limits to their actual
range (overcomes the default setting)
b. Then, for each of the three colour guns, use the Linear Stretch function to stretch the image.

6.

7.

Explore the image using the zoom and pan tool.

a. Describe five features (eg. Werribee Irrigation District) of the image that change their appearance
dramatically in the different displays.
b. Which display would be best for mapping vegetation? Which for water? Which for urban expansion?
Use the Surface key to open a pseudo colour image.

a.

8.

Use the file icon to open Melb.ers and select Band Six (B6). This is a Thermal IR band and is not
normally included in multi-spectral images. Remember to stretch the image once you have displayed
it. You will need to turn the RGB image off (Right Click on the left hand RGB icon).
The image is now displayed as a grey tone image (Greycolour). Use the Surface key to show your display
options and explore the different colour look up tables available.

NB. Before next weeks class, research Remote Sensing Algorithms.

SUBMISSION
Prepare a Scientific Report (read the Submission Guide for format details) on the Image Processing Exercise. Consider
the following questions in your discussion:
1.
2.

Which of these tables best displays the image information and why?
How are the features, previously identified, displayed here?

Both a digital and hard copy submission are required.

1.
2.

A paper copy will be submitted to the Engineering Submission Boxes, located in Engineering Block C Level 4
(just behind the elevators).
A digital submission will be via the LMS and in PDF format only.

3.

4.
5.
6.

A Scientific Report with the following items (in this order):

a. Cover Page
b. Table of Contents
c. Introduction
d. Methodology
e. Results
f. Discussion
g. Conclusion
h. References
The discussion will encompass the questions and issues raised in this practical exercise.
The report will be clear and concise.
Provide a reference list if you derive your information from other works.

LATE SUBMISSIONS
Late submissions must be submitted via appointment to Victoria Petrevska.
Late submissions without a valid medical certificate and exemption/extension from student services will be awarded a
pass (50%) or fail (0%) mark.
Late submissions with a valid medical certificate and exemption/extension from student services will be marked
without deductions. If the student fails to meet the extended deadline the above late submission rule applies. All
extensions must be granted by teaching staff prior to the submission date. Extensions will only be granted in
extenuating circumstances or prolonged absence.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

WEBSITES

VIDEOS

TEXTS