Impervious Area Analysis Using Infra-Red Aerial Photography

ISSN： 1938-6478

Source： Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, Vol.2007, Iss.19, 2007-10, pp. : 749-757

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Abstract

This study was completed in order to provide the City of West Lafayette, Indiana a basis by which to fairly and equitably bill property owners for stormwater collection and conveyance. Since the amount of stormwater runoff generated is largely dependent on the impervious area of individual properties, initial impervious area estimates of all properties have been developed using satellite photographic technology (e.g., remote sensing techniques). The data used to generate these estimates includes visible spectrum and near-infra-red orthoimagery. The analysis method described herein resulted in a total impervious area estimate for all of West Lafayette with an estimated accuracy of +/−1.5%. It is recommended the city use these estimates as the basis of a stormwater billing program. Other municipalities can use a similar approach, particularly if the required imagery and georeferenced parcel data are readily available.