Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

[552] 4.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE TEST SITE PROGRAM
The prime objectives of the Natural Resources Test Site Program are calibration of the
remote sensors and the development of a capability for supporting the use of remote sensors
in performing natural resources investigations. To meet this objective, scientists are
currently gathering data with electronic and electro optical remote sensors in and over
areas of specific interest. Examples of aircraft and Gemini-acquired data are shown in
Figures 3–7. [Figures 3–7 omitted] The data thus acquired will then be used to:
1. Advance our knowledge of the effects of terrain parameters on sensor data.
2. Provide a means of calibrating data return from sensors in aircraft and spacecraft.
3. Define sensor operational parameters and spacecraft integration requirements.
4. Develop data handling and interpretation techniques.
5. Define sensor systems to meet the scientific objectives of Earth-orbital missions.
6. Provide a group of scientists skilled in application of remotely sensed data to natural
resources investigations.
4.4 TYPES OF TEST AREAS
EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 231
Experience in studies to date have indicated that two types of test areas or sites are
necessary. The first type is designated as an “Instrument Calibration Test Site,” and for
abbreviation purposes is referred to as a “Test Site.” The second type is designated as a
“Natural Resources Applications Area,” and for abbreviation purposes is referred to as an
“Applications Area.” Figures 8–12 give a complete list of the currently proposed
Applications Areas and Test Sites and the names of the scientists responsible for data
analysis at these sites. [Figures 8–12 omitted]
A Test Site is an area where studies are conducted in the calibration of the instruments.
These studies will test instrument response to well-defined preselected conditions.
Tasks will include the development of interpretation and correlation techniques, and
investigations of the response of the remote sensors in terms of biological, chemical, and
physical conditions in the area. Applications Areas are areas where extensive investigations
are conducted using fully-developed instruments to gather and interpret data in
terms of the area’s known conditions and features, e.g., agricultural, geographic, geologic,
hydrologic, and oceanographic. These Applications Areas tentatively include a number
of international sites which have been chosen principally to provide data on problems in
the various Earth sciences, that are global or continental in scope and to promote international
cooperation in line with NASA’s policy.
Test Sites should have the following characteristics:
1. They must satisfy the requirements of the specific instrument to be tested at whatever
development stage it exists.
2. There should be available an extensive amount of ground data so they do not
require extensive basic study.
3. They should be as uniform as possible, commensurate with the purpose for which
selected, so as to permit identification of the remote sensor response with a
single (or minimum number of) features.
Applications Areas should be:
1. Areas in which studies by the participating agency (or one of its cooperating agencies
or institutions) are taking place or have taken place in the recent past.
[553] 2.Areas of broad natural resources or scientific interest, with scientific resources
problems whose solution will contribute to the progress in the Natural Resources
Program.
3. Areas with well-documented features and for which there is an active scientist prepared
to analyze sensor data and report on results in a competent manner.