Technical note: A simple approach for efficient collection of field reference data for calibrating remote sensing mapping of northern wetlands

Abstract

The calibration and validation of remote sensing land cover products are highly dependent on accurate field reference data, which are costly and practically challenging to collect. We describe an optical method for collection of field reference data that is a fast, cost-efficient, and robust alternative to field surveys and UAV imaging. A lightweight, waterproof, remote-controlled RGB camera (GoPro HERO4 Silver, GoPro Inc.) was used to take wide-angle images from 3.1 to 4.5gm in altitude using an extendable monopod, as well as representative near-ground (