Title
2015 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Urban Tree Canopy Assessment
Published Date
2017-01-03
Authors
Author Contact
Knight, Joseph, F (jknight@umn.edu)
Type
Dataset
Map
Spatial Data
Abstract
A high-resolution (1-meter) tree canopy assessment was completed for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Mapping of existing and potential tree canopy is critical for urban tree management at the landscape level. This classification was created from combined 2015 aerial imagery, LIDAR data, and ancillary thematic layers. These data sets were integrated using an Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) approach through multi-resolution image segmentation and an iterative set of classification commands in the form of customized rulesets. eCognition® Developer was used to develop the rulesets and produce raster classification products for TCMA. The results were evaluated using randomly placed and independent verified assessment points. The classification product was analyzed at regional scales to compare distributions of tree canopy spatially and at different resolutions. The combination of spectral data and LiDAR through an OBIA method helped to improve the overall accuracy results providing more aesthetically pleasing maps of tree canopy with highly accurate results.
Description
The data is stored as an 8-bit GEOTIFF file that is readable with GIS software packages such as ERSI ArcGIS, Qgis, etc. The class codes can be found in the classification scheme PDF. An overview map and legend PDF is provided as well.
Funding information
Sponsorship:
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Related to
Important note: This layer is optimized for tree canopy mapping. In places where tree canopy overhangs an impervious surface such as a street, the canopy edge mapped rather than the impervious surface. If you require a map of impervious surfaces without overhanging canopy, use our impervious focused layer here:
License
CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
Suggested Citation
Knight, Joe F; Rampi, Lian P; Host, Trevor K.
(2017). 2015 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.
Retrieved from the Data Repository for the University of Minnesota,
http://doi.org/10.13020/D6C016.