Frank R. Young

Effects of changing rice cultural practices on C-band synthetic aperture radar backscatter using Envisat advanced synthetic aperture radar data in the Mekong River Delta

Changes in rice cultivation systems have been observed in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam. Among the changes in cultural practices, the change from transplanting to direct sowing, the use of water-saving technology, and the use of high production method could have impacts on radar remote sensing methods previously developed for rice monitoring. Using Envisat (Environmental Satellite) ASAR (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar) data over the province of An Giang, this study showed that the radar backscattering behaviour is much different from that of the reported traditional rice. At the early stage of the season, direct sowing on fields with rough and wet soil surface provides very high backscatter values for HH (Horizontal transmit - Horizontal receive polarisation) and VV (Vertical transmit - Vertical receive polarisation) data, as a contrast compared to the very low backscatter of fields covered with water before emergence. The temporal increase of the backscatter is therefore not observed clearly over direct sowing fields. Hence, the use of the intensity temporal change as a rice classifier proposed previously may not apply. Due to the drainage that occurs during the season, HH, VV and HH/VV are not strongly related to biomass, in contrast with past results. However, HH/VV ratio could be used to derive the rice/non-rice classification algorithm for all conditions of rice fields in the test province. The mapping results using the HH/VV polarization ratio at a single date in the middle period of the rice season were assessed using statistical data at different districts in the province, where very high accuracy was found. The method can be applied to other regions, provided that the synthetic aperture radar data are acquired during the peak period of the rice season, and that few training fields provide adjusted threshold values used in the method.

Operational Infrastructure for Quality Distance and Online Geospatial Programs

The Surveying and Land Information Discipline at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has delivered full time and distance education programs in surveying and related areas for over 26 years. Academics at USQ have recently embarked on multimedia enhancement and online delivery of curricula to provide an even broader and more contemporary learning environment. These enhancements, when developed professionally, require a significant commitment of resources and expertise, and often necessitate a team approach to their design and development. Although there has been a proliferation of activity in the area of online delivery, little consideration has been given to the support infrastructure that is necessary to establish, deliver and maintain these offerings. This paper examines the operational infrastructure that is critical to distance education students receiving a comprehensive, timely and quality learning experience.

The changing face of education: Meeting the surveying and mapping industry needs

Formal educational programs for distance and life-long education opportunities can be economically and physically restrictive for some students. The University of Southern Queensland curriculum changes has addressed this by reducing campus attendance, while enhancing the level of skills and professional competencies teaching. Greater course articulation and horizontal and vertical integration also provides increased study flexibility.

A Conceptual Role for Future Geomatics Professionals

Abstract Future geomatics professionals have been identified as having four possible roles. This paper examines one of these four roles determined in a previous study of the essential qualities, for the twenty first century, of a person beginning in the geomatics profession. While this particular role analysis varies from the specific educational needs analysis of the previous study, it nevertheless provides generic details for consideration.

Bonding the Assemblage of the Spatial Information Industry

Abstract The impact of technology automation and sophisticated communication techniques in the surveying and cartography (spatial information) sector has meant greater ease in performing traditional tasks, the increased blurring of traditional work boundaries and increased technical and academic levels of operation. Hence there is a need for a new broader and holistic industry relevant educational model which will achieve a more flexible ‘multidisciplinary focus’ graduate to underpin the solutions of the existing and emerging problems within our industry. The model discussed concerns undergraduate studies and necessitates the forging of greater human, financial and communication links between industry, professional organisations and academia. Such a curriculum would support and enhance those emerging issues of quality assurance, self regulation, professional organisation amalgamation and long term viability.