Study of Natural and Economical Objects Dynamics by Color Composition of Multitemporal Images

The most common way of satellite images use for dynamics investigation relies on separate interpretation or computer classification of multitemporal images with subsequent matrix comparison of classification results for changes discovering. These procedures are rather complicated and time-consuming. As a method convenient for everyday efficient image analysis we suggest method of changes determination based on composition of color multitemporal image and its interpretation. Methods of visual interpretation and simplified computer processing of multitemporal composites have been created. The “interpretation key” was formulated for ERS/Envisat SAR images of Kalmykian coastal zone of the Caspian Sea, where coastal zone dynamics under sea level fluctuations was studied. Applications of suggested method is demonstrated by several examples from different branches of geographical investigations: coastal relief dynamics (Sulak river delta), seasonal vegetation changes in Volga River delta; changes in forests distribution in Central European Russia (Kostroma) area; growth of agricultural fields in Al Kufrah oasis, Libya; changes of land use at the Murgab-Tedjen oases region in Turkmenistan.