Spatial Analysis of Forest Crimes in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

Forest crime mitigation has been identified as a challenging issue in forest management in the United States. Knowledge of the spatial pattern of forest crimes would help in wisely allocating limited enforcement resources to curb forest crimes. This study explores the spatial pattern of three different types of forest crimes: fire crime, illegal timber logging crime, and occupancy use crime in the Salem-Patosi Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest. Univariate and bivariate Ripley’s K-functions were applied to explore the spatial patterns in crime events, like clustering and attraction among forest crime types. Results reveal significant clustering for each forest crime type and the combined events. Peak clustering was observed at 2.3 km, 2.7 km and 3.6 km for fire, timber and occupancy use crimes, respectively. For better forest crime mitigation, when there is an event of a given forest crime type, monitoring should be intensified around its respective spatial scale of peak clustering to avert future crime events. Significant attraction was observed between i) fire crime and illegal timber logging crime, and ii) fire crime and occupancy use crime, at spatial scales of 0.3 km and 0.2 km, respectively. At the respective spatial scales, occurrence of one type of crime increases the chances of occurrence of another type of crime, thus we recommend allocating available resources accordingly to minimize crime events. Further study could help establish any association of clustering or attraction of forest crimes with different socio-economic and bio-physical factors prevalent in and around the area

Context-Specific Preference Learning of One Dimensional Quantitative Geospatial Attributes Using a Neuro-Fuzzy Approach

Change detection is a topic of great importance for modern geospatial information systems. Digital aerial imagery provides an excellent medium to capture geospatial information. Rapidly evolving environments, and the availability of increasing amounts of diverse, multiresolutional imagery bring forward the need for frequent updates of these datasets. Analysis and query of spatial data using potentially outdated data may yield results that are sometimes invalid. Due to measurement errors (systematic, random) and incomplete knowledge of information (uncertainty) it is ambiguous if a change in a spatial dataset has really occurred. Therefore we need to develop reliable, fast, and automated procedures that will effectively report, based on information from a new image, if a change has actually occurred or this change is simply the result of uncertainty. This thesis introduces a novel methodology for change detection in spatial objects using aerial digital imagery. The uncertainty of the extraction is used as a quality estimate in order to determine whether change has occurred. For this goal, we develop a fuzzy-logic system to estimate uncertainty values fiom the results of automated object extraction using active contour models (a.k.a. snakes). The differential snakes change detection algorithm is an extension of traditional snakes that incorporates previous information (i.e., shape of object and uncertainty of extraction) as energy functionals. This process is followed by a procedure in which we examine the improvement of the uncertainty at the absence of change (versioning). Also, we introduce a post-extraction method for improving the object extraction accuracy. In addition to linear objects, in this thesis we extend differential snakes to track deformations of areal objects (e.g., lake flooding, oil spills). From the polygonal description of a spatial object we can track its trajectory and areal changes. Differential snakes can also be used as the basis for similarity indices for areal objects. These indices are based on areal moments that are invariant under general affine transformation. Experimental results of the differential snakes change detection algorithm demonstrate their performance. More specifically, we show that the differential snakes minimize the false positives in change detection and track reliably object deformations

Sustainable Development Under Population Pressure: Lessons from Developed Land Consumption in the Conterminous U.S.

Population growth will result in a significant anthropogenic environmental change worldwide through increases in developed land (DL) consumption. DL consumption is an important environmental and socioeconomic process affecting humans and ecosystems. Attention has been given to DL modeling inside highly populated cities. However, modeling DL consumption should expand to non-metropolitan areas where arguably the environmental consequences are more significant. Here, we study all counties within the conterminous U.S. and based on satellite-derived product (National Land Cover Dataset 2001) we calculate the associated DL for each county. By using county population data from the 2000 census we present a comparative study on DL consumption and we propose a model linking population with expected DL consumption. Results indicate distinct geographic patterns of comparatively low and high consuming counties moving from east to west. We also demonstrate that the relationship of DL consumption with population is mostly linear, altering the notion that expected population growth will have lower DL consumption if added in counties with larger population. Added DL consumption is independent of a county’s starting population and only dependent on whether the county belongs to a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). In the overlapping MSA and non-MSA population range there is also a constant DL efficiency gain of approximately 20km2 for a given population for MSA counties which suggests that transitioning from rural to urban counties has significantly higher benefits in lower populations. In addition, we analyze the socioeconomic composition of counties with extremely high or low DL consumption. High DL consumption counties have statistically lower Black/African American population, higher poverty rate and lower income per capita than average in both NMSA and MSA counties. Our analysis offers a baseline to investigate further land consumption strategies in anticipation of growing population pressures

Integrating Local and Global Error Statistics for Multi-Scale RBF Network Training: An Assessment on Remote Sensing Data

Background This study discusses the theoretical underpinnings of a novel multi-scale radial basis function (MSRBF) neural network along with its application to classification and regression tasks in remote sensing. The novelty of the proposed MSRBF network relies on the integration of both local and global error statistics in the node selection process. Methodology and Principal Findings The method was tested on a binary classification task, detection of impervious surfaces using a Landsat satellite image, and a regression problem, simulation of waveform LiDAR data. In the classification scenario, results indicate that the MSRBF is superior to existing radial basis function and back propagation neural networks in terms of obtained classification accuracy and training-testing consistency, especially for smaller datasets. The latter is especially important as reference data acquisition is always an issue in remote sensing applications. In the regression case, MSRBF provided improved accuracy and consistency when contrasted with a multi kernel RBF network. Conclusion and Significance Results highlight the potential of a novel training methodology that is not restricted to a specific algorithmic type, therefore significantly advancing machine learning algorithms for classification and regression tasks. The MSRBF is expected to find numerous applications within and outside the remote sensing field

A hierarchical Dempster-Shafer evidence combination framework for urban area land cover classification

This paper presents a novel evidence combination framework for urban area land cover classification by using Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) data fused with co-registered near infrared and color images. The newly developed combination framework is built with a hierarchical structure involving an improved Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory of evidence for decision making. In the framework, a fuzzy basic probability assignment (BPA) function with fuzzy classes is firstly established based on the DS theory of evidence, and a probability is then assigned to each data source, that is derived from the original airborne LIDAR and the co-registered images. Secondly, an interesting approach is to introduce noise removal in an interim stage at the output of the probability distribution, and then the probability assigned to each data source is redistributed with a designated rule. Finally, a decision is made based on a “maximum normal support” rule, leading to the classification results. The proposed framework has been tested on two datasets. The testing results have shown that it can dramatically reduce the computational time in the classification process, and significantly improve the classification accuracy, i.e. 8.22% on Test 1 and 5.76% on Test 2 compared to the basic DS method. Due to its non-iterative and unsupervised nature, the proposed method is fast in computation, does not require training samples, and has achieved high classification accuracy

DEFORMATION HISTORY AND CORRELATION OF PAIKON AND TZENA TERRANES (AXIOS ZONE, CENTRAL MACEDONIA, GREECE)

Τα πεδία Πάικου και Τζένας βρίσκονται στο κεντρικό τμήμα της ζώνης Αξιού, μεταξύ των οφιολιθικών λωρίδων Αλμωπίας και Παιονίας. Τεκτονοστρωματογραφικά δεδομένα φανερώνουν ότι έχουν υποστεί την ίδια πολυφασική παραμόρφωση και μεταμόρφωση, καθώς επίσης και ότι έχουν την ίδια λιθοστρωματογραφική στήλη. Η πρώτη παραμόρφωση έλαβε χώρα στο Μέσο - Άνω Ιουρασικό και συνδέεται με την τεκτονική τοποθέτηση των οφιολίθων, τη συσσώρευση των καλυμμάτων, την προσαύξηση των πεδίων και την πάχυνση του φλοιού (D1). Η μεταμόρφωση δεν ξεπερνά την πρασινοσχιστολιθική φάση (Μ1). Η ύπαρξη μιας υπολειμματικής μεταμόρφωσης HP/LT, προγενέστερης της M1, οφείλεται πιθανότατα στις συνθήκες υποβύθισης και στην υπερφόρτωση των επωθημένων οφιολίθων πάνω στο ηπειρωτικό περιθώριο, συνθήκες που χαρακτηρίζουν τα αρχικά στάδια της παραμόρφωσης. Η συμπιεστική τεκτονική και η έντονη λεπίωση με την ίδια κινηματική συνεχίζονται στο Κάτω Κρητιδικό, επηρεάζοντας όλες τις ενότητες πριν το Άνω Κρητιδικό, καθώς και τους επωθημένους οφιόλιθους και συνδέονται με χαμηλή πρασινοσχιστολιθική μεταμόρφωση (Μ2). Η πρώτη κύρια εφελκυστική φάση συμβαίνει στο Άνω Κρητιδικό και συνδέεται με το σχηματισμό λεκανών και ιζηματογένεση (D3). Κατά το Παλαιόκαινο-Ηώκαινο, συνέβη έντονη λεπίωση όλων των ενοτήτων κυρίως προς τα ΝΔ (D4). Η κατάρρευση των καλυμμάτων και τελικά η εκταφή του φλοιού συνέβη κατά το Ολιγόκαινο - Μειόκαινο, συνδεδεμένη με κανονικά ρήγματα μικρής γωνίας κλίσης και κύρια κινηματική προς τα ΝΔ (D5). Μετά το Μειόκαινο, λαμβάνει χώρα η νεοτεκτονική δράση σε εφελκυστικό έως διεφελκυστικό πεδίο (D6), συνδεόμενη με το σχηματισμό των Νεογενών και Τεταρτογενών λεκανών και τη διασπορά των πεδίων. Το υπόβαθρο και των δύο πεδίων είναι Πελαγονικής προέλευσης, αποκαλυπτόμενο ως πολλαπλό τεκτονικό παράθυρο.Paikon and Tzena terranes are situated in the centre part of Axios zone, between Almopia and Paionia ophiolitic belts. Tectonostratigraphic data reveal that both have been affected by the same polyphase deformation and metamorphism, as well that they have the same lithostratigraphic column. The first deformation phase took place during the Middle to Late Jurassic and is associated with ophiolite obduction, nappe- stacking, terrane accretion and crustal thickening (D1). Metamorphism does not exceed greenschist facies (M1). Relict HP-LT metamorphic assemblages predating M1 metamorphism are possibly developed during subduction processes and overloading of the obducted ophiolites on the continental margin, characterized the initial stages of deformation. Compressional tectonics and intense thrusting with the same kinematics continued in Lower Cretaceous time, affected all pre-Upper Cretaceous units and the obducted ophiolites (D2). This phase is associated with low-greenschist metamorphism (M2). The first main extensional event occurs in the Late Cretaceous, related to basin formation and sedimentation (D3). During Paleocene to Eocene, D4 intense imbrication of all tectonic units towards mainly SW takes place again. Nappes collapse and finally crustal exhumation taken place during Oligocene to Miocene, associated with low - angle normal faults, with a main top to the SW sense of movement (D5). In Miocene to recent times, high - angle normal and strike-slip faults are formed in an extensional to transtensional strain regime (D6), associated with Neogene to Quaternary basin formation and terrane dispersion. The basement rocks of both terranes are of Pelagonian origin, exhumed as a multiple tectonic window

DEFORMATION HISTORY AND CORRELATION OF PAIKON AND TZENA TERRANES (AXIOS ZONE, CENTRAL MACEDONIA, GREECE)

Τα πεδία Πάικου και Τζένας βρίσκονται στο κεντρικό τμήμα της ζώνης Αξιού, μεταξύ των οφιολιθικών λωρίδων Αλμωπίας και Παιονίας. Τεκτονοστρωματογραφικά δεδομένα φανερώνουν ότι έχουν υποστεί την ίδια πολυφασική παραμόρφωση και μεταμόρφωση, καθώς επίσης και ότι έχουν την ίδια λιθοστρωματογραφική στήλη. Η πρώτη παραμόρφωση έλαβε χώρα στο Μέσο - Άνω Ιουρασικό και συνδέεται με την τεκτονική τοποθέτηση των οφιολίθων, τη συσσώρευση των καλυμμάτων, την προσαύξηση των πεδίων και την πάχυνση του φλοιού (D1). Η μεταμόρφωση δεν ξεπερνά την πρασινοσχιστολιθική φάση (Μ1). Η ύπαρξη μιας υπολειμματικής μεταμόρφωσης HP/LT, προγενέστερης της M1, οφείλεται πιθανότατα στις συνθήκες υποβύθισης και στην υπερφόρτωση των επωθημένων οφιολίθων πάνω στο ηπειρωτικό περιθώριο, συνθήκες που χαρακτηρίζουν τα αρχικά στάδια της παραμόρφωσης. Η συμπιεστική τεκτονική και η έντονη λεπίωση με την ίδια κινηματική συνεχίζονται στο Κάτω Κρητιδικό, επηρεάζοντας όλες τις ενότητες πριν το Άνω Κρητιδικό, καθώς και τους επωθημένους οφιόλιθους και συνδέονται με χαμηλή πρασινοσχιστολιθική μεταμόρφωση (Μ2). Η πρώτη κύρια εφελκυστική φάση συμβαίνει στο Άνω Κρητιδικό και συνδέεται με το σχηματισμό λεκανών και ιζηματογένεση (D3). Κατά το Παλαιόκαινο-Ηώκαινο, συνέβη έντονη λεπίωση όλων των ενοτήτων κυρίως προς τα ΝΔ (D4). Η κατάρρευση των καλυμμάτων και τελικά η εκταφή του φλοιού συνέβη κατά το Ολιγόκαινο - Μειόκαινο, συνδεδεμένη με κανονικά ρήγματα μικρής γωνίας κλίσης και κύρια κινηματική προς τα ΝΔ (D5). Μετά το Μειόκαινο, λαμβάνει χώρα η νεοτεκτονική δράση σε εφελκυστικό έως διεφελκυστικό πεδίο (D6), συνδεόμενη με το σχηματισμό των Νεογενών και Τεταρτογενών λεκανών και τη διασπορά των πεδίων. Το υπόβαθρο και των δύο πεδίων είναι Πελαγονικής προέλευσης, αποκαλυπτόμενο ως πολλαπλό τεκτονικό παράθυρο.Paikon and Tzena terranes are situated in the centre part of Axios zone, between Almopia and Paionia ophiolitic belts. Tectonostratigraphic data reveal that both have been affected by the same polyphase deformation and metamorphism, as well that they have the same lithostratigraphic column. The first deformation phase took place during the Middle to Late Jurassic and is associated with ophiolite obduction, nappe- stacking, terrane accretion and crustal thickening (D1). Metamorphism does not exceed greenschist facies (M1). Relict HP-LT metamorphic assemblages predating M1 metamorphism are possibly developed during subduction processes and overloading of the obducted ophiolites on the continental margin, characterized the initial stages of deformation. Compressional tectonics and intense thrusting with the same kinematics continued in Lower Cretaceous time, affected all pre-Upper Cretaceous units and the obducted ophiolites (D2). This phase is associated with low-greenschist metamorphism (M2). The first main extensional event occurs in the Late Cretaceous, related to basin formation and sedimentation (D3). During Paleocene to Eocene, D4 intense imbrication of all tectonic units towards mainly SW takes place again. Nappes collapse and finally crustal exhumation taken place during Oligocene to Miocene, associated with low - angle normal faults, with a main top to the SW sense of movement (D5). In Miocene to recent times, high - angle normal and strike-slip faults are formed in an extensional to transtensional strain regime (D6), associated with Neogene to Quaternary basin formation and terrane dispersion. The basement rocks of both terranes are of Pelagonian origin, exhumed as a multiple tectonic window

THE EMPLACEMENT OF THE VERMION NAPPE IN THE AREA OF KATO SELI (MT VERMION, CENTRAL MACEDONIA, GREECE)

H υπαίθρια εργασία μας στην περιοχή του Κάτω Σελίου στο όρος Βέρμιο, δείχνει ότι το Τεκτονικό Κάλυμμα του Βερμίου δεν υπέρκειται τεκτονικά μόνο του Μαιστρίχτιου φλύσχη της Πελαγονικής Ζώνης, αλλά και ενός Ιουρασικού melange που υπέρκειται τεκτονικά των Τριαδικών-Ιουρασικών μαρμάρων της Πελαγονικής Ζώνης. Επιπλέον, ανάμεσα στο Tεκτονικό Κάλυμμα του Βερμίου και του υποκείμενου melange, τεκτονικοί φακοί μετα-ψαμμιτών–μετα-ρουδιτών έχουν τεκτονικά τοποθετηθεί. Αυτό απαιτεί μια αναθεώρηση της τοποθέτησης του Τεκτονικού Καλύμματος του Βερμίου και του ρόλου του στη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη της περιοχής.Our fieldwork in the area of Kato Seli of Mt Vermion suggests that the Vermion Nappe is not only tectonically overlying the Maastrichtian flysch of the Pelagonian Zone, but also a Jurassic melange that overlies the Triassic-Jurassic marbles of the Pelagonian Zone. Moreover, between the Vermion Nappe and the underlying melange, tectonic slivers of meta-sandstones-meta-rudites are tectonically emplaced. This calls for a reassessment of the emplacement of the Vermion Nappe and its role in the geotectonic evolution of the area

Kinematic analysis and tertiary evolution of the Lesvos ophiolites and metamorphic sole (Aegean sea, Greece)

In Lesvos Island, the ophiolites and the metamorphic sole are emplaced onto the Permo-Triassic continental margin rocks. New field data on the Tertiary kinematics distinguished three successive tectonic events that affected the Lesvos ophiolites and sole. The Dl compressional event took place in Late Eocene - Early Oligocene and produced several thrust sheets and their stacking over the continental margin. The thickening of the crust after the Dl event, was followed by an important extensional tectonic event (D2) in semi-ductile conditions in Oligocene-Early Miocene times, which produced the uplift process of the orogen and the lateral rejection of the tectonic nappes through large extensional semi-ductile faults of low angle (detachment faults) and caused the exhumation of the underlying continental margin rocks in the form of a tectonic window. This extensional tectonic event led to the thinning of the crust in the wider area of Lesvos and probably caused the Early Miocene volcanic activity. The last D3 extensional tectonic event, took place in brittle conditions and represents the neotectonic regime in Late Miocene-Recent times