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Coral Reef Remote Sensing pp 29–49Cite as

Photography Applications

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Abstract

Photographic imaging is the oldest form of remote sensing used in coral reef studies. This chapter briefly explores the history of photography from the 1850s to the present, and delves into its application for coral reef research. The investigation focuses on both photographs collected from low-altitude fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, and those collected from space by astronauts. Different types of classification and analysis techniques are discussed, and several case studies are presented as examples of the broad use of photographs as a tool in coral reef research.

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Acknowledgments

This contribution was supported by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geologic Processes on Pacific Coral Reefs Project. Pat Chavez and Rian Bogle (USGS Flagstaff, AZ) collected the digital photographs and natural-color video for the Moloka‘i sediment study. Ann Gibbs, Amy Foxgrover, and Curt Storlazzi (USGS Santa Cruz, CA) contributed excellent suggestions and a timely review of this work, as did the book editors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, 400 Natural Bridges Dr., Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA

    Susan A. Cochran

Authors
  1. Susan A. Cochran
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Correspondence to Susan A. Cochran .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayagüez, 00681, Puerto Rico

    James A. Goodman

  2. Oceanographic Center, National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University, N. Ocean Drive 8000, Dania Beach, 33004, Florida, USA

    Samuel J. Purkis

  3. School of Geography, Planning, and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Queensland, Australia

    Stuart R. Phinn

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Cochran, S.A. (2013). Photography Applications. In: Goodman, J., Purkis, S., Phinn, S. (eds) Coral Reef Remote Sensing. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9292-2_2

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