Summary & Purpose
The objective of this project was to develop a repeatable workflow in Google Earth Engine to produce high-resolution (10m) land cover maps for the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We used multi-temporal Sentinel optical and radar data from 2019 in Google Earth Engine, and Random Forest classification algorithms, to make two classifications: a) an “upland-lowland” forest map, consisting of upland forest, lowland forest, and water; and b) a “forest type” map” consisting of coniferous forest, deciduous forest, non-forest, and water. To train and validate the classifications, we used a field-based reference dataset of over 500 field data points collected by Sault Tribe during July – September 2019. Overall classification accuracy for the upland-lowland classification was 74.9%. Overall classification accuracy for the forest type classification was 86.0%. Close inspection of local scale patterns in the maps identified considerable areas of localized errors, and therefore these products are considered a “beta” (i.e. preliminary) version best utilized as proof of concept of the analytical approach. This error could be minimized by using a larger reference dataset (i.e. more field data collection). In particular, focusing on smaller spatial areas, such as a specific county or forest boundary, coupled with more dense reference data collection within that specific area, would likely result in very accurate maps of forest type at 10-m resolution that could be used to link species data (e.g. marten, snowshoe hare) with land cover patterns. The methodology and Google Earth Engine code that we have developed can be used for future work. In this archive, we provide the map products, and the field reference dataset, and GEE code and R scripts can be provided upon request.
Date of Publication or Submission
1-16-2020
DOI
10.18122/hes_data/1/boisestate
Funding Citation
Sault Tribe
Single Dataset or Series?
Single Dataset
Data Format
.tif, .png, .pdf
Data Attributes
The maps in .tif format can be used in a GIS program. The maps in .jpg format can be opened in any image viewer program.
Time Period
2019
Privacy and Confidentiality Statement
Boise State is explicitly compliant with federal and state laws surrounding data privacy including the protection of personal financial information through the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, personal medical information through HIPAA, HITECH and other regulations. All human subject data (e.g., surveys) has been collected and managed only by personnel with adequate human subject protection certification.
Use Restrictions
Users are free to share, copy, distribute and use the dataset; to create or produce works from the dataset; to adapt, modify, transform and build upon the dataset as long as the user attributes any public use of the dataset, or works produced from the dataset, referencing the author(s) and DOI link. For any use or redistribution of the dataset, or works produced from it, the user must make clear to others the license of the dataset and keep intact any notices on the original dataset.
Disclaimer of Warranty
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR PROVIDED AS PART OF THE SYSTEM FOR ANY PURPOSE. ALL SUCH INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO THIS INFORMATION, INCLUDING ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
IN NO EVENT SHALL BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM THE SYSTEM.
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM COULD INCLUDE TECHNICAL INACCURACIES OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CHANGES ARE PERIODICALLY ADDED TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN. COMPANY AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS MAY MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND/OR CHANGES IN THE PRODUCT(S) AND/OR THE PROGRAM(S) DESCRIBED HEREIN AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE TO YOU.
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY DOES NOT MAKE ANY ASSURANCES WITH REGARD TO THE ACCURACY OF THE RESULTS OR OUTPUT THAT DERIVES FROM USE OF THE SYSTEM.
Recommended Citation
Spaete, Lucas; Brandt, Jodi; Clark, Eric; and Fagan, Danielle, "Land Cover Maps of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Michigan, Using Radar-Optical Fusion of Multi-Temporal Imagery in Google Earth Engine" (2020). Human Environment Systems Datasets. 1.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/hes_data/1