The objective of this research is to investigate the use of LANDSAT TM data to map the salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima) an invasive plant species and other native vegetation found along the lower Colorado River region. Measurements of the ground level spectral reflectance at the various locations within the study area were designed to coincide with the acquisition of the LANDSAT image data. 

Results/Conclusions

Spectra of the native and invasive riparian plant species show significant differences in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions. The LANDSAT image analysis shows that the areas infested with salt cedar can be identified and mapped separately using a selected non-reciprocal ratio combination of spectral bands. Our study shows that spectral reflectance measured in situ and remote sensing from LANDSAT can be used to characterize and discriminate the areas infested with salt cedar along the lower Colorado River region.