FLOOD INUNDATION IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES FROM AIRCRAFT AND SATELLITE IMAGERY.

Abstract

Panchromatic black and white, color, and color infrared photographs and thermal infrared imagery are compared for their relative capabilities in showing flood boundaries. In open agricultural and urban areas, these boundaries are easily delineated on all types of film. Boundaries are more difficult to see in wooded areas. After about April 1, both color infrared photography and thermal infrared imagery show only the top of the tree canopy and do not reflect underlying flood water. Inundated areas can be delineated easily on ERTS satellite imagery from December through March.