Question about Google earth image

[Scoot]

Here's an image I took from Google Earth. This is of a small area near where I'll be hunting elk in SE WY. Much of the area looks just like this- open grassy spots, dark trees, and a few of the lighter green foliage.

Can you please tell me what kind of trees these are? What are the dark ones? What are the lighter green ones?

[Hotspotter]

Scoot:

I work with aerial photography and satellite imagery, but this is a tough case from the image given. Much of air photo interp. comes from a good understanding of native/natural conditions on the ground, along with time of photo, amongst other things. Also, full-color imagery such as this one provides several clues towards good tree species classification, however, Color Infra-Red (CIR) photos are better. The MNDNR has our CIR photos online, but I'm not sure for the state of WY.

To do the best job of interpreting cover-type here, I would try to obtain:

1) Dates of imagery - Data collection dates (Spring, summer, fall?)

2)Local information via forester, Forest Service Ranger, wildlife mgr. on tree species out there.

3)Elevation data (USGS contours) - Different species will prefer the lowlands (esp. willows) than will inhabit the uplands

To take a shot in the dark, most of the darker signatures are typically from conifers (out there probably Doug Fir (larger), Lodgepole pine, and/or assorted spruce). Lighter signatures, are most likely from deciduous trees, in this case it looks like several groves of aspen.

Without knowing more information, "zooming-in" further, or knowing elevations, that's about all one can do.

You could use the google earth 3D feature, exaggerate the elevation/relief to the max, then "tip" the image 3D to see where those lighter trees are. If only in lowland/valley areas, I'd say they're most likely willow or some other deciduous shrub.

Joel

[Scoot]

Thanks Joel. I figured I'd get that type of "need more info be be sure" type response. The elevation I'll bein ranges from 6500 to 8800 feet. That's about all the info. I have.

Your best guess is what I am thinking too- darker = conifer and lighter = aspens. I guess there's only one way I'm going to know for sure... and that'll happen in Sep.

[Valv]

Where in WY is this exactly, I used to live there and might be able to help.

[Scoot]

The image is SE of Casper 20-30 miles.

[Valv]

Medicine Bow area ? Or Laramie Range ?

Believe or not I used to manage a 22,500 acres ranch 80 miles straight south of Casper, from our place we could drive east through the mtns and get to Douglas.

What are you hunting, deer or antelope ? Chances are if you tell me who's the landowner I might know him....

[Scoot]

Valv,

We're hunting elk. I'll shoot you an e-mail.