An Exploratory Study on Heads Up Photo Interpretation of Aerial Photography as a Method for Mapping Drainage Tiles
Catherine Andrade
Department of Resource Analysis, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, MN 55987
Keywords: Tile Drainage, Photo interpretation, Remote Sensing, Decision Tree Analysis, Aerial Photography, Iowa
Abstract
Agricultural producers have been using subsurface artificial drainage since the late 1800’s. This allows areas that would have otherwise been deemed unproductive for agriculture to grow substantial yields. Data and records on drainage tile location are not consistent. In recent years, researchers have turned to aerial photography to map functioning drainage tiles. Knowing the location of drainage can allow more accurate hydrology studies. This research explores photo interpretation and compares it to remote sensing and decision tree analysis techniques to delineate subsurface agricultural drainage tiles in the Eagle Creek Watershed in Iowa, USA.