[CDU eNews] - SATELLITE IMAGING SOFTWARE FOR CDU

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Satellite imaging software for CDU

Charles Darwin University has become one of only a handful of universities
worldwide to take delivery of new remote sensing and satellite imaging
software.

The $50,000 German manufactured 'eCognition' software is being used for
advanced mapping in bushfire and vegetation research in Arnhem Land.

The University has also signed a Centre of Excellence agreement with the
manufacturer, Definiens Imaging of Munich, to further research within the
field of object-oriented analysis.

Dr Guy Boggs, Lecturer in the Tropical Spatial Science Group at Charles
Darwin University, said: "We are the only University in Australia to be
accepted into the CoE program and there are only a few others - in Austria,
the US, and the University of Calgary, Canada."

Under the agreement, institutions involved receive further incentives and
support in their work with and training of eCognition.

Dr Boggs said: "This technology is a completely new approach to image
analysis and represents a major step forward in interpreting satellite
imagery.

"We use it for a variety of environmental projects, including monitoring
the impact of fire and its use for sustainable land and forest management
in northern Australia and Indonesia.

"This year we are also monitoring changes in the vegetation cover in the
Magela floodplains of Kakadu. We are even mapping the location and density
of magpie goose nests. Last year, we also worked with the World Wildlife
Fund and the Bushfires Council to map sandstone heath vegetation on the
Arnhem Land Plateau."

Dr Boggs said: "The TSSG is recognised for excellence in research in the
use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science (GIS) technologies
in tropical and desert environments, with research links established at
local, regional and international levels with other academic institutions,
community and industry.

"Spatial technologies at CDU are applied in cultural and natural resource
management, for example in landscape ecology, savannas, geology and mining,
wildlife tourism, the wetlands and Indigenous resources."

Other projects include mapping the spread of gamba grass, and water quality
modelling and risk assessment.

Dr Boggs said Definiens claimed to be the leader in the development of
object oriented image analysis technology.


Dr Boggs is available for interview

Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K