Modeling soil erosion sensitivity using digital image processing

Feature extraction models were developed using digital image processing, multispectral satellite imagery (Landsat and IKONOS), and digital elevation and soil survey data. Soil sensitivities to water and wind erosion were modeled, as were land cover features, construction obstacles, and potential open space areas. These results characterized urban environment and development issues of concern to the City of Rio Rancho Planning Division, and provided information and decision-making tools for directing future development and for ameliorating degraded areas. The spatial models were designed to be readily updated with additional data, and to be easily modified for use with other communities in semi-arid or and environments. This study was an extension to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Affiliated Research Center project that was originally performed as an evaluation of feature extraction functions.