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Statistical Comparison of SPOT Spectral Maps with Field Soil Maps
Author(s) -
Agbu Patrick A.,
Fehrenbacher Donald J.,
Jansen Ivan J.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1990.03615995005400030032x
Subject(s) - soil map , field (mathematics) , soil texture , remote sensing , environmental science , spectral properties , digital soil mapping , geologic map , soil science , soil water , cartography , geology , geography , mathematics , physics , astrophysics , pure mathematics
The field soil map is not the only appropriate standard for evaluating spectral maps. This study was undertaken to evaluate both the field soil map and the spectral map independently, according to the degree to which they minimize within, and maximize among, unit variability of pertinent soil properties. Two 3108‐ha areas in Ford County, east central Illinois were systematically sampled and soil properties were measured. Field and satellite‐derived maps were compared, using several approaches. The results showed that, generally, most of the variability was within map units. Of all the spectral maps, the Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) texture map was best, and the parameters used indicate that it was close to the field soil map. The mapping units used in the SPOT texture map were both more numerous and of a fundamentally different kind than the units on the field soil map. Units on the field soil map are defined in terms of soil properties that affect use and management, whereas units on the SPOT spectral maps are based directly on spectral properties only. Characterization of SPOT mapping units in terms of significant soil properties would be a necessary next step after generation of spectral maps, before they could be used for land management or land‐use planning. The data indicate that computer classification of SPOT digital data is a potentially useful approach to soil investigations.