The past 10 years have brought amazing changes to the technologies used to turn remotely sensed data into maps. As a result, the principles and practices necessary for assessing the accuracy of those maps have also evolved and matured. This third edition of Assessing the Accuracy of Remotely Sensed Data: Principles and Practices is thoroughly updated and includes five new chapters. Now 15 chapters long, this text is the only one of its kind to provide geospatial analysts with the requisite considerations, tools, and theory necessary to conduct successful and efficient map accuracy assessments; and map users with the knowledge to fully understand the assessment process to ensure effective use of maps. See What’s New in the Third Edition: All original chapters have been updated to include new standards, practices, and methodologies. A new chapter on planning accuracy assessments. A new chapter on assessing maps created using object-based technologies. Two case study chapters - one showcasing the assessment of maps created from traditional methods, and one on the assessment of object-based maps. Emphasis on considering and planning for positional accuracy in concert with thematic accuracy. An appendix containing the internationally recognized ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards. A new final chapter summarizing the key concepts, considerations and lessons learned by the authors in their decades of implementing and evaluating accuracy assessments. Assessing map accuracy is complex; however, the discussions in this book, together with the many figures, tables, and case studies, clearly present the necessary concepts and considerations for conducting an assessment that is both is practical, statistically reliable, and achievable.

The field of accuracy assessment of maps derived from remotely sensed data has continued to grow since the first edition of this groundbreaking book published in 1999. As a result, this much-anticipated new edition is significantly expanded and enhanced to reflect growth in the field and includes a 16-page color insert.

Based upon a special symposium sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Remote Sensing and GIS Accuracy Assessment evaluates the important scientific elements related to the performance of accuracy assessments for remotely sensed data, GIS data analysis, and integration products. Scientists from federal, state, and local governments, academia, and nongovernmental organizations present technical papers which examine sampling issues, reference data collection, edge and boundary effects, error matrix and fuzzy assessments, error budget analysis, and change detection accuracy assessment. This compilation contains 20 chapters that represent important symposium outcomes.

A basic reference for those considering digital imagery, particularly satellite imagery for vegetation mapping. Contents: using remote sensing and GIS for mapping vegetation; remote sensors and remotely sensed data; determining appropriate uses for satellite imagery; defining the classification scheme; collecting reference data; assessing accuracy; creating polygons; project management; the basic tour; and case studies. Important terms and ideas are introduced while showing the progression of key activities in the classification and mapping process.