Image data and field measurements used to map salmon spawning locations via remote sensing, American River, California, November 5-7, 2018

This data release includes images and field measurements used to map chinook salmon spawning locations along the American River near Sacramento, California, via remote sensing; the data were collected November 5-7, 2018. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a spectrally based technique for identifying salmon spawning locations, known as redds, from various types of remotely sensed data. Traditionally, redds have been mapped by eye while walking the bank or from a boat, or by an observer in an aircraft or an interpreter visually examining aerial images. The goal of this proof-of-concept investigation was to assess the potential for more efficient, objective, and automated redd mapping from conventional true color (RGB, or red/green/blue) and hyperspectral images. This parent data release includes links to child pages for several data sets produced during the study: Hyperspectral and RGB (red-green-blue) images acquired from an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) over the American River to identify redds and estimate water depth. Field spectra from redds mapped in the field, including spectra for the pot and tail of each redd and the adjacent undisturbed substrate. The data consist of reflectance measurements obtained above the water surface over the wavelength range from 325-1075 nm, along with the spatial coordinates and water depth for the redd. Field measurements of water depth used to produce bathymetric maps from RGB and hyperspectral images. Redd locations mapped in the field. Please refer to the individual child pages for further detail about each data set. Overall, these data were used to assess the potential for identifying salmon spawning locations from various types of remotely sensed data.