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As part of a larger study addressing stream geomorphology, we are exploring the use of aerial and satellite remote sensing to assess stream stability to augment current ground-based monitoring efforts. To this end, we analyzed high spatial resolution 1:1250 (0.16m) digital orthophotography, QuickBird (0.6m and 2.4m) satellite imagery and LIDAR data to characterize the geomorphic condition and sensitivity of selected river reaches in response to historic and current watershed and corridor stressors. For the Allen Brook watershed in Chittenden County, VT, stream centerlines were digitized from the QuickBird and 1:1250 imagery and sinuosity (ranging from 1.0 to 4.1) was calculated for each stream reach. Although significant shifts in the channel were documented between 1999 and 2004 and again between 2004 and 2005, sinuosity for stable reaches derived from the QuickBird imagery, VT DEC River Management Program Phase I data, and 1:1250 imagery agreed well. Further, object oriented classification techniques incorporating imagery and LIDAR data were successfully employed to map indicators of stream stability (sediment bars, steep banks, riparian vegetation, channel and valley gradient). |