ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe the design and implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) software module developed to measure, characterize, and model multiscale remotely sensed data. Integral to the GIS software package is the capability for selecting and applying several different spatial analysis techniques for use in analyzing multiscaled remote sensing data. In addition to the fractal analysis, another important attribute of Image Characterization and Modeling System (ICAMS) is the development and implementation of specialized functions for image characterization that are not easily available in any existing GIS/remote sensing software, such as variogram analysis, multiscale analysis, and boundary delineation. ICAMS has three specialized image characterization functions: the calculation of the NDVI and temperature; the delineation of land/water interface and vegetated/non-vegetated boundaries; and the generation of multiscale, multiresolution data through an aggregation routine.
