Application of remote sensing and colorimetry to classify water colors in Florida Bay

Since March of 1994, a monthly water color survey using visual observations from a light aircraft has been conducted in Florida Bay for the purpose of mapping algal bloom and sediment distributions. This mapping is based on a color classification-scheme consisting of nineteen colors that can also be reduced into five main color categories. Due to the subjective nature of the aerial surveys, a handheld hyperspectral radiometer (Spectrix) has been used to relate these observed water colors to a standard color system called the C.I.E. (Commission Internationale de L`Eclairage) color coordinate system. This ensures that the water colors are being classified on a consistent basis and it also describes the water colors in terms of a globally accepted and widely used color system. The C.I.E. color coordinate system provides an accurate and quantitative basis upon which to describe and predict color. The system is easily used to translate measured radiation in the visible spectrum to color coordinates by relating simple concepts of radiation theory to those of the C.I.E. system. A software application is currently being designed that allows for the seamless integration and analysis of Spectrix data with different spatial datasets. The initial analysis uses an expert based methodology.more » This tool will assist in the identification of algal bloom types and help to monitor the dynamics of different water bodies within the bay.« less