Thematic Mapper Analysis of Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) in Central California

Abstract

Digital Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite data from September 1986 and December 1985 were analyzed to determine seasonal reflectance properties of blue oak rangeland in the La Panza mountains of San Luis Obispo County. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine relationships between TM reflectance and oak canopy cover, basal area, and site topographic variables. September reflectance in TM3 was strongly negatively correlated with oak canopy cover (r²=0.62), less strongly related to oak basal area or density (r²=0.2-0.4). December reflectance was not as strongly correlated as September reflectance. These results indicate that late summer TM data can be used effectively to monitor oak cover in California's rangelands, even in rugged environments.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the symposium on oak woodlands and hardwood rangeland management; October 31 - November 2, 1990; Davis, California

Citation

Lefebvre Jr., Paul A.; Davis, Frank W.; Borchert, Mark. 1991. Thematic Mapper Analysis of Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) in Central California. In: Standiford, Richard B., tech. coord. 1991. Proceedings of the symposium on oak woodlands and hardwood rangeland management; October 31 - November 2, 1990; Davis, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-126. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 198-201