Abstract
Remote sensing and aerial photographs are used to produce medium to small scale images. However, for detailed information especially to estimate rangeland vegetation canopy cover there is a need to larger scale images. It is therefore necessary to study the technical applicability of different devices such as short range light airplanes, kites, gliders and balloons. In this research, we focused on suitable flight height for rangeland vegetation canopy cover estimation using large scale balloon images in Incheh Broon area where we conducted field tests in September 2010. The balloons ascended to heights of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 m and higher. Using the taken images, vegetation canopy covers were estimated and compared with those obtained from field measurements. Results show that there is no significant difference between field and image estimation of canopy cover for heights lower than 100 m. We therefore suggest using balloon images acquired from up to 100 m height for estimating rangeland vegetation canopy cover.
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