An integrated data base approach in support of remote sensing studies of agricultural areas

Addresses the design and implementation of a data storage and reference system in support of both operational remote sensing studies (i.e. classification, change detection) and scientific remote sensing research. The authors discuss some activities in this area that have taken place in the past and indicate how some approaches can be enhanced by inclusion of new types of data products. The synthesis of data base requirements and technological potential has allowed the authors to design a prototype data base system, which has been tested recently in an ERS-1 study over an agricultural area in the south-western part of The Netherlands. It is shown that the data base is relatively simple to implement. Furthermore, the system requires only simple hardware (PCs) and standard software products (hence, is relatively cheap), which greatly improves the potential for standardization and information sharing. Also, the system can be easily adapted to, include reference measurements on other (land) targets, such as forest and natural terrain.