Change detection in coastal zone environments

TLDR

The study site includes a portion of the Matagorda Bay estuarine system along the Texas Coast. The study aimed to develop and evaluate computer‑aided change detection techniques using Landsat MSS data to monitor coastal zone environments. Using Landsat MSS imagery from 1972 and 1975, the authors processed an eight‑channel 1:24,000 dataset and applied four change detection methods—post‑classification comparison, delta data, spectral/temporal classification, and layered spectral/temporal approach—to assess coastal changes. The investigation’s results are discussed, illustrating the relative effectiveness of the four techniques for monitoring coastal zone changes.

Abstract

A study was conducted with the objective to develop and evaluate various change detection techniques based upon computer-aided analysis of Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data to monitor coastal zone environments. The study site selected includes a portion of the Matagorda Bay estuarine system located along the Texas Coast. The principal data sources for the study were MSS data collected on November, 27, 1972 and February 25, 1975. The MSS data were processed and a multidata eight-channel data set at a scale of 1:24,000 was obtained. A description is presented of four change detection techniques which were designed and implented for evaluation, taking into account postclassification comparison change detection, delta data change detection, spectral/temporal change classification, and layered spectral/temporal approach. The results of the investigation are discussed.