CICEET Progress Report for the period 3/16/06 Through 9/15/06
Project Title: Salt Marsh Assessment and Restoration Tool (SMART)
Principal Investigator(s): Jeffrey N. Rogers
Additional Investigator(s): Ray Konisky; John Mustard
Project Start Date: 10/1/04
Project Objectives for This Reporting Period
Objectives
The objective of this reporting period was to start to bring the separate research initiatives together for use in the SMART extension and begin final report preparation.
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- Hyperspectral classification and/or data collection
- LiDAR statistical analysis
- Finalize SWMM model with calibration
- Finalize SMART extension creation and documentation
- Begin final report writing and dissemination work.
Progress on Tasks
During this reporting period most of the efforts of the project team were focused on finalizing the many research objectives and writing final report sections. Brown University researchers and the PI further refined the hyperspectral classification of the June 2005 flyover data. Results are promising considering the undesirable data quality and non optimum time of year. Some ambiguity existed between a few of the classes derived from the remote sensing classifications. To further clean up the classes, supplemental ground truth was collected in June 2006. Vegetation was surveyed using a handheld GPS and a digital camera. If at all possible the project team would like to capture another hyperspectral data set using a more standard sensor and during the peak growing season. If this were to occur, it would take place during the Summer of 2007 since we were unsuccessful in contracting with a provider for the 2006 season.
LiDAR processing continued but at a reduced pace during this reporting period due to the PI’s institution transition. Also, a new collaboration between the PI and researchers at UNH is developing. The SWMM model development was finalized during this reporting period and calibration is forthcoming. Methods of exporting SWMM model runs to SMART were developed by the project team. The SMART extension final draft was completed by Dr. Konisky and is awaiting beta testing using the SWMM model results. The draft final report is being prepared by the project team as research topics are completed.
Have the results/data gathered during this reporting period changed the project objectives when compared to your original proposal?
Hyperspectral results developed during this reporting period have suggested that the full project objectives may need to be modified slightly. A second supplemental hyperspectral flight might be needed to meet full project objectives. This flight is still feasible if conducted in the summer 2007 growing season.
Dissemination activities during this reporting period
Conferences: An abstract was submitted and accepted for Restore Americas Estuaries Conference in Dec. 2006.
Contact with End Users: There was limited contact with end user due to transition of PI’s primary affiliation.
Student activity: PI is using LiDAR and Hyperspectral research as a PhD. dissertation at UNH with Dr. Larry Ward of the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Committee has been formed with Dr. Ward, Dr. Dave Burdick, Dr. Mary Martin, Dr. Shachak Peri, and Dr. Jeff Donnelly of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Difficulties
Difficulties during this reporting period were primarily related to the PI’s switching of institutions and the time needed to make the necessary adustments. It is expected that the next reporting period will be more productive.
Data Generated to date
- Hyperspectral and Multispectral flight data,
- Field and classified vegetation map of Drakes Island Marsh and Wells Estuary (See Figure 1)
- LiDAR flight data, ground truth, and analysis
- Marsh species type and density photography
- SWMM model for Drakes Island Marsh
- SMART software extension (See Figure 2)
Project Objectives for Next Reporting Period
Objectives
The objective for the next reporting period is to work towards finalizing remaining research and continue developing the final report
Work plan to Meet Objectives
- Finish Calibrating SWMM
- LiDAR analysis
- SMART beta testing
- Final Report writing
Dissemination Objectives for next reporting period
The PI has a presentation at the Restore America’s Estuaries conference in Dec. 2006.
Overall Project Timeline Update
Project timeline has been adjusted for a final completion date of September 2007.
Expenditures
Expenditures are below expectations at this point due to a brief hiatus in project work by the PI. We are requesting a 1 year no cost extension to continue the research and utilize the remaining funds.
End User Advisor Feedback
End User Advisor: Tim Smith
Organization: Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management, Wetland Restoration Program
Location: 251 Causeway St., Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114
Phone number: 617-626-1247
E-mail: tim.smith@state.ma.us
At this stage, what are the potential applications for this research? Please discuss how you and others could potentially use the technology.
The research will result in an invaluable tool for the feasibility assessment, design, and evaluation of salt marsh restoration projects. The tool will aid in preparing grant and permit applications and educating the general public about the effects and benefits of proposed restoration actions.
What are the key challenges to application of this technology? Please consider the technology itself as well as issues related to regulation, politics, socio-economic pressures, trends in the field etc.
MA CZM is particularly interested in developing useful and efficient techniques for using LIDAR data for salt marsh restoration design and monitoring and other coastal management applications. Special attention should be paid to ensuring the quality and suitability of LIDAR data.
Has anything changed about this project's potential applicability since the last reporting period (not applicable to the first Progress Report)?
Nothing has changed
Questions/comments/ suggestions for the researchers?
Would like clarification and documentation of the use of the SWMM model for simulation of a tidal system. A more robust two-dimensional hydrodynamic model seems more appropriate.
PI Response to End User Advisor Feedback
We feel that the End User Advisor understands the value for the research and tool being developed in this study. Clarification on the use of SWMM will be given in the final report. The investigators have used SWMM in many salt marsh modeling projects with good success. SWMM performs well when looking at the freshwater (stormwater) inputs to the system, which in restricted systems strongly impacts flooding potential. The SMART software is not reliant on SWMM for its modeling data. The user can input tidal data from a NOAA source, collected field data, or other data in a predetermined ascii format.