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.

Food security has become a key global issue due to rapid population growth in many parts of Asia, as well as the effect of climate change. For this reason, there is a need to develop spatio-temporal monitoring system that can accurately assess rice area planted. In the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, the changes in cultural practices have been gradually adopted in the last ten years. These changes have impacts on remote sensing methods developed for rice monitoring, particularly on the accuracy of the resulting classified image. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy obtained by different Envisat ASAR modes (APP and WS) and the classifiers used. Using Envisat ASAR APP data, the study showed that the radar backscattering behaviour is much different from that of the traditional rice previously reported in the literature, due to changes brought by modern cultural practices. The polarisation ratio (HH, VV) of rice fields at a single date during a long period of the rice season could be used to derive the rice/non-rice mapping algorithm. The results of this thresholding algorithm achieved higher and consistent accuracies between seasons and districts (i.e. maximum accuracy of 99% and 98%, respectively) across the study site when compared to other classifiers, such as the minimum-distance-to-means, maximum likelihood, spectral angle mapper (SAM), ISODATA and K-Means. Regarding the ASAR modes of data acquisition, the ASAR APP data yielded higher and consistent classification accuracy. However, the ASAR WS product proved to be a potential data for rice mapping at regional scale.

This paper outlines the flexible student learning environment in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying before concentrating on evaluating one online learning option. This Faculty provides a variety of high quality on-campus, distance education and on-line academic programs and various learning strategies for the heterogeneous student cohort (national and international). By accessing appropriate flexible learning and different learning experiences, students are empowered to determine learning opportunities and methodologies to suit their personal needs. The off-campus mode study may disadvantage students since they don’t have the benefit of face-to-face instructions or to participate in formative assessments delivered informally in lectures. This may lead to feelings of remoteness and isolation leading to poorer learning, lower results in assessments, and may also contribute to drop-out rates, particularly in first year courses. To overcome this inequity, the usual training materials presented for a first year course in 2005 were supplemented with PowerPoint lectures, enhanced with synchronous audio, and a series of quizzes to be used as formative assessments. The lectures and quizzes were presented online via a course web site and were designed to become an integral part of the learning experience. An evaluation of the effectiveness of these strategy demonstrated improved students’ learning, a positive contribution to the learning experience, increased enjoyment of the course, and a strong learning motivator. Students reported feeling less disenfranchised with the university and having a greater affinity with the lecturer.

Several golf greens were mapped using a RTK GPS, Riegl 3D-Laser Mirror Scanner and Trimble S6 Robotic Total Station systems to determine the most appropriate method for this task. The RTK GPS was the easiest methods for data capture but was insufficiently accurate for mapping at a contour interval of 0.05 m or less in this situation. The laser scanner level data accuracy was slightly more accurate than the robotic total station but both produces results that were suitable for golf green mapping. However, the ease of use of the robotic total station determined this as the preferred methodology for golf green mapping with a 0.05m contour interval.

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest rice exporting countries, and the fertile Mekong River Delta at the southern tip of Vietnam accounts for more than half of the country’s rice production. Unfortunately, a large part of rice crop growing time coincides with a rainy season, resulting in a limited number of cloud-free optical remote sensing images for rice monitoring. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data allows for observations independent of weather conditions and solar illumination, and is potentially well suited for rice crop monitoring. The aim of the study was to apply new generation Envisat ASAR data with dual polarization (HH and VV) to rice cropping system mapping and monitoring in An Giang province, Mekong River Delta. Several sample areas were established on the ground, where selected rice parameters (e.g. rice height and biomass) are periodically being measured over a period of 12 months. A correlation analysis of rice parameters and radar imagery values is then being conducted to determine the significance and magnitude of the relationships. This paper describes a review of the previous research studies on rice monitoring using SAR data, the context of this on-going study, and some preliminary results that provide insights on how ASAR imagery could be useful for rice crop monitoring. More work is being done to develop algorithms for mapping and monitoring rice cropping systems, and to validate a rice yield prediction model for one year cycle using time-series SAR imagery.

This paper outlines the flexible student learning environment in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying before concentrating on evaluating one online learning option. This Faculty provides a variety of high quality on-campus, distance education and on-line academic programs and various learning strategies for the heterogeneous student cohort (national and international). By accessing appropriate flexible learning and different learning experiences, students are empowered to determine learning opportunities and methodologies to suit their personal needs The off-campus mode study may disadvantage students since they don't have the benefit of face-to-face instructions or to participate in formative assessments delivered informally in lectures. This may lead to feelings of remoteness and isolation leading to poorer learning, lower results in assessments, and may also contribute to drop-out rates, particularly in first year courses. To overcome this inequity, the usual training materials presented for a first year course in 2005 were supplemented with PowerPoint lectures, enhanced with synchronous audio, and a series of quizzes to be used as formative assessments. The lectures and quizzes were presented online via a course web site and were designed to become an integral part of the learning experience. An evaluation of the effectiveness of these strategy demonstrated improved students' learning, a positive contribution to the learning experience, increased enjoyment of the course, and a strong learning motivator. Students reported feeling less disenfranchised with the university and having a greater affinity with the lecturer.

This paper outlines the flexible student learning environment in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying before concentrating on evaluating one online learning option. This Faculty provides a variety of high quality on-campus, distance education and on-line academic programs and various learning strategies for the heterogeneous student cohort (national and international). By accessing appropriate flexible learning and different learning experiences, students are empowered to determine learning opportunities and methodologies to suit their personal needs The off-campus mode study may disadvantage students since they don’t have the benefit of face-to-face instructions or to participate in formative assessments delivered informally in lectures. This may lead to feelings of remoteness and isolation leading to poorer learning, lower results in assessments, and may also contribute to drop-out rates, particularly in first year courses. To overcome this inequity, the usual training materials presented for a first year course in 2005 were supplemented with PowerPoint lectures, enhanced with synchronous audio, and a series of quizzes to be used as formative assessments. The lectures and quizzes were presented online via a course web site and were designed to become an integral part of the learning experience. An evaluation of the effectiveness of these strategy demonstrated improved students’ learning, a positive contribution to the learning experience, increased enjoyment of the course, and a strong learning motivator. Students reported feeling less disenfranchised with the university and having a greater affinity with the lecturer.

Crop loss assessment in the insurance industry should be conducted efficiently, cost effectively and accurately. While crop loss adjusters in Australia have been implementing their own crop assessing systems with acceptable success, the use of remote sensing imagery offers potential to enhance the current systems. Our project aimed to: a) assess the relationship between crop defoliation and spectral data, and to b) identify the situations or conditions where contemporary remotely sensed imagery can be used in assessing crop loss due to hailstorm.

Professional education must enable students to determine learning opportunities to suit their personal and professional needs in preparedness for meeting work environment policy, technology and application challenges. The diverse needs for professional practice within the geospatial (surveying and mapping) profession have defined a requirement for new approaches and multiple varied work oriented learning opportunities. In 2005, the University of Southern Queensland enhanced its unique suit of undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD study options, from which individuals can choose to enter the dynamically changing spatial science profession, emphasising the time, study mode and qualification levels flexibility. The opportunity to choose on-campus and off-campus delivery modes of study, or a combination of these, realises the dilemmas facing both emerging professionals and employer's needs. This paper will concentrate on examining the major criteria and benefits of the new user-defined technical and professional education Spatial Science programs developed at the University of Southern Queensland. It will also demonstrate the diverse range of the graduate's professional skills, problem solving techniques, lateral thinking, teamwork and communication attributes required in meeting the challenges in spatial science employment.

In preparedness for work environment policy, technology and professional application challenges, professional education must enable students to determine learning opportunities that best suit their personal and professional needs. The diverse needs for professional practice within the geospatial (surveying and mapping) profession have defined a requirement for new approaches and multiple varied work oriented learning opportunities. The Spatial Science profession is embracing needed change to reflect specific changes imposed by the current and perceived future professional practice and social environment (Young, 1994 and Young, 2004). The University of Southern Queensland has a unique suite of undergraduate study options from which individuals can choose to enter the spatial science profession. The opportunity to choose on-campus and off-campus delivery modes of study, and to move freely between these modes and different qualification levels, realises the dilemmas facing emerging and future professionals and employers. Similar opportunities are also available for higher degrees candidates, other professionals and continuing professional development. This paper will concentrate on examining the major criteria and benefits of the new user-defined technical and professional education Spatial Science programs developed at the University of Southern Queensland. The praxis of these programs will emphasise a particular effective teaching pedagogy that strongly motivates learning and inculcates desired problem solving techniques, lateral thinking, teamwork and communication attributes. The paper will also demonstrate the application of the graduate's professional skills in meeting the challenges in spatial science.

The project focussed on designing a remote sensing data acquisitions strategy that will suitably respond to the requirements of broadacre crop hail damage mapping and assessment. Current field based hail damage assessment practices are both time and labour intensive. This new strategy required multi-stage and multi-source data acquisition to be performed within specific time, spatial resolution and cost limitations. Integration with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database is also essential to interface with an interactive administrative system. Remote sensing and GIS provides an economically viable technique for the recording, correlation, analysis and judicious evaluation of hail damage loss accuracy, consistency and creating a relational database. Value adding is realisable through modelling storm damage and past claims information for risk analysis scenarios to provide planning and crop management information to farmers. Information can also be provided to developers; land use planners; prospective buyers; insurance brokers and financial lending agencies. This technique’s attributes will enable a commercial Internet claims management platform to be established. This paper reports on results that encompass the strategy; spectral signature evaluation from a multiple hail damage simulations; and hail damage assessment using remotely sensed imagery.

The project focused on a remote sensing data acquisition strategy that will respond to the requirements for assessment of broadacre hail damage in a timely manner within appropriate spatial and economic limitations. Current field based hail damage assessment practices are both time and labour intensive. Integrating remote sensing with a GIS database provides an economically viable alternative technique for the recording, correlation, analysis and judicious evaluation of hail damage and information for interactive administration system. This paper will report on the remote sensing strategies, specifically hyperspectral simulation trials and hail damage assessment using both hyperspectral acquisitions and remotely sensed (Landsat TM and Spot Xi) imagery. Preliminary findings have identified a good correlation (r=-0.866) between the damage levels and defoliation with r=0.86 for both Landsat 5 TM and Spot 4 Xi sensors.

[Abstract]: The growth of the Australian olive (Olea europaea L.) industry requires support from research to ensure its profitability and sustainability. To contribute to this goal, our project tested the ability of remote sensing imagery to map olive groves and their attributes. Specifically, this study aimed to: (a) discriminate olives varieties; and to (b) detect and interpret within-field spatial variability. Using high spatial resolution (2.8m) QuickBird multispectral imagery acquired over Yallamundi (southeast Queensland) on 24 December 2003, both visual interpretation and statistical (divergence) measures were employed to discriminate olive varieties. Similarly, the detection and interpretation of within-field spatial variability was conducted on enhanced false colour composite imagery, and confirmed by the use of statistical methods. Results showed that the two olive varieties (i.e. Kalamata and Frantoio) can be visually differentiated and mapped on the enhanced image based on texture. The spectral signature plots showed little difference in the mean spectral reflectance values, indicating that the two varieties have a very low spectral separability. In terms of within-field spatial variability, the presence or absence of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) was detected using visual interpretation, corroborated by the results of quantitative statistical measures. Spatial variability in soil properties, caused by the presence of a patch of sandy soil, was also detected visually. Finally, the “imprint” of former cover-type or land-use prior to olive plantation establishment in 1998 was identified. More work is being done to develop image classification techniques for mapping within-field spatial variability in olive varieties, biomass and condition using hyperspectral image data, as well as interpreting the cause of observed variability.

Considerable research has already been conducted using satellite and aerial imagery to observe cropping areas. However, these imagery platforms have limitations: repeatability, cloud cover, cost and poor spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of detecting and mapping grain crop attributes using digital imagery acquired from a low-altitude remote controlled aircraft (RCA). The study utilised a digital camera (Kodak DC3200, 1 megapixel, 24-bit) mounted on a RCA of a high-wing cabin-design model of balsa wood construction with a 2m wingspan. The platform was powered by a 10 cc 4-stroke glow fuel (methanol) motor and has a payload of approximately 750g.

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.