Land Disturbance Classification from 2006-2007 Landsat Imagery

Nine land disturbance classes, including exposed land and developed areas, were mapped across a 2006-2007 baseline. The Alberta Energy Regulator created this dataset to assess surface impacts from energy exploration in a pilot regulatory area. It covers townships from Twp. 52 to Twp. 70 in Alberta.

Use Cases

• Quantify vegetation loss from anthropogenic disturbances using the 'exposed land/cut blocks/harvested areas' class.
• Monitor infrastructure development over time by analyzing the 'developed areas' and 'mixed developed areas' classifications.
• Establish baseline land cover for regulatory impact assessment using the nine defined disturbance classes.
• Track vegetation recovery in areas like 'shrub land' and 'grassland' following forestry or energy activity.

Strengths

• Classification into 9 distinct land disturbance categories.
• Covers a defined geographic area spanning 18 townships in Alberta.
• Derived from Landsat multispectral imagery for two years (2006, 2007).

Limitations

• Data is over 15 years old, limiting analysis of recent changes.
• Specific row/column counts and spatial resolution are not provided.
• Focus is limited to a single pilot regulatory area in Alberta.

Provenance

Source

Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Government of Alberta.

Collection Method

Produced from Landsat multispectral imagery and land use classification data.

Time Range

2006 to 2007.

Freshness

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Geography

Alberta, Canada, from Twp. 52, Rge. 7, W 5th Mer. to Twp. 70, Rge. 5, W 6th Mer., covering Edson, Fox Creek, Mayerthorpe, Whitecourt, Swan Hills, and Valleyview.