• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.34 no.6_3
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• pp.1415-1425
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• 2018

Kompsat-5 is the first Earth Observation Satellite which is equipped with an SAR in Korea. SAR images are generated by receiving signals reflected from an object by microwaves emitted from a SAR antenna. Because the wavelengths of microwaves are longer than the size of particles in the atmosphere, it can penetrate clouds and fog, and high-resolution images can be obtained without distinction between day and night. However, there is no color information in SAR images. To overcome these limitations of SAR images, colorization of SAR images using Cycle GAN, a deep learning model developed for domain translation, was conducted. Training of Cycle GAN is unstable due to the unsupervised learning based on unpaired dataset. Therefore, we proposed MS Cycle GAN applying multi-scale discriminator to solve the training instability of Cycle GAN and to improve the performance of colorization in this paper. To compare colorization performance of MS Cycle GAN and Cycle GAN, generated images by both models were compared qualitatively and quantitatively. Training Cycle GAN with multi-scale discriminator shows the losses of generators and discriminators are significantly reduced compared to the conventional Cycle GAN, and we identified that generated images by MS Cycle GAN are well-matched with the characteristics of regions such as leaves, rivers, and land.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.36 no.6_2
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• pp.1523-1535
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• 2020

In order to produce crop information using remote sensing, we use classification and growth monitoring based on crop phenology. Therefore, time-series satellite images with a short period are required. However, there are limitations to acquiring time-series satellite data, so it is necessary to use fusion with other earth observation satellites. Before fusion of various satellite image data, it is necessary to overcome the inherent difference in radiometric characteristics of satellites. This study performed Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-3 (KOMPSAT-3) cross calibration with Landsat-8 as the first step for fusion. Top of Atmosphere (TOA) Reflectance was compared by applying Spectral Band Adjustment Factor (SBAF) to each satellite using hyperspectral sensor band aggregation. As a result of cross calibration, KOMPSAT-3 and Landsat-8 satellites showed a difference in reflectance of less than 4% in Blue, Green, and Red bands, and 6% in NIR bands. KOMPSAT-3, without on-board calibrator, idicate lower radiometric stability compared to ladnsat-8. In the future, efforts are needed to produce normalized reflectance data through BRDF (Bidirectional reflectance distribution function) correction and SBAF application for spectral characteristics of agricultural land.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.38 no.6_1
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• pp.1219-1230
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• 2022

Multi-spectral drones in agricultural observation require quantitative and reliable data based on physical quantities such as radiance or reflectance in crop yield analysis. In the case of remote sensing data for crop monitoring, images taken in the same area over time-series are required. In particular, biophysical data such as leaf area index or chlorophyll are analyzed through time-series data under the same reference, it can be directly analyzed. So, comparable reflectance data are required. Orthoimagery using drone images, the entire image pixel values are distorted or there is a difference in pixel values at the junction boundary, which limits accurate physical quantity estimation. In this study, reflectance and vegetation index based on drone images were calculated according to the correction method of drone images for time-series crop monitoring. comparing the drone reflectance and ground measured data for spectral characteristics analysis.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.283-295
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• 2023

With the development of sensor and satellite technology, numerous high-resolution and multi-spectral satellite images have been available. Due to their wavelength-dependent reflection, transmission, and scattering characteristics, multi-spectral satellite images can provide complementary information for earth observation. In particular, the short-wave infrared (SWIR) band can penetrate certain types of atmospheric aerosols from the benefit of the reduced Rayleigh scattering effect, which allows for a clearer view and more detailed information to be captured from hazed surfaces compared to the visible band. In this study, we proposed a multi-resolution transform-based image fusion method to combine visible and SWIR satellite images. The purpose of the fusion method is to generate a single integrated image that incorporates complementary information such as detailed background information from the visible band and land cover information in the haze region from the SWIR band. For this purpose, this study applied the Laplacian pyramid-based multi-resolution transform method, which is a representative image decomposition approach for image fusion. Additionally, we modified the multiresolution fusion method by combining a haze-guided weight map based on the prior knowledge that SWIR bands contain more information in pixels from the haze region. The proposed method was validated using very high-resolution satellite images from Worldview-3, containing multi-spectral visible and SWIR bands. The experimental data including hazed areas with limited visibility caused by smoke from wildfires was utilized to validate the penetration properties of the proposed fusion method. Both quantitative and visual evaluations were conducted using image quality assessment indices. The results showed that the bright features from the SWIR bands in the hazed areas were successfully fused into the integrated feature maps without any loss of detailed information from the visible bands.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.36 no.5_2
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• pp.867-879
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• 2020

As the era of space technology utilization is approaching, the launch of CAS (Compact Advanced Satellite) 500-1/2 satellites is scheduled during 2021 for acquisition of high-resolution images. Accordingly, the increase of image usability and processing efficiency has been emphasized as key design concepts of the CAS 500-1/2 ground station. In this regard, "CAS 500-1/2 Image Acquisition and Utilization Technology Development" project has been carried out to develop core technologies and processing systems for CAS 500-1/2 data collecting, processing, managing and distributing. In this paper, we introduce the results of the above project. We developed an operation system to generate precision images automatically with GCP (Ground Control Point) chip DB (Database) and DEM (Digital Elevation Model) DB over the entire Korean peninsula. We also developed the system to produce ortho-rectified images indexed to 1:5,000 map grids, and hence set a foundation for ARD (Analysis Ready Data)system. In addition, we linked various application software to the operation system and systematically produce mosaic images, DSM (Digital Surface Model)/DTM (Digital Terrain Model), spatial feature thematic map, and change detection thematic map. The major contribution of the developed system and technologies includes that precision images are to be automatically generated using GCP chip DB for the first time in Korea and the various utilization product technologies incorporated into the operation system of a satellite ground station. The developed operation system has been installed on Korea Land Observation Satellite Information Center of the NGII (National Geographic Information Institute). We expect the system to contribute greatly to the center's work and provide a standard for future ground station systems of earth observation satellites.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2018

The information of surface reflectance ($R_{sfc}$) is important for the heat balance and the environmental/climate monitoring. The $R_{sfc}$ sensitivity to error-induced variables for the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) retrieval from geostationary-orbit satellite observations at 300-500 nm was investigated, utilizing polar-orbit satellite data of the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Ozone Mapping Instrument (OMI), and the radiative transfer model (RTM) experiment. The variables in this study can be cloud, Rayleigh-scattering, aerosol, ozone and surface type. The cloud detection in high-resolution MODIS pixels ($1km{\times}1km$) was compared with that in GEMS-scale pixels ($8km{\times}7km$). The GEMS detection was consistent (~79%) with the MODIS result. However, the detection probability in partially-cloudy (${\leq}40%$) GEMS pixels decreased due to other effects (i.e., aerosol and surface type). The Rayleigh-scattering effect in RGB images was noticeable over ocean, based on the RTM calculation. The reflectance at top of atmosphere ($R_{toa}$) increased with aerosol amounts in case of $R_{sfc}$<0.2, but decreased in $R_{sfc}{\geq}0.2$. The $R_{sfc}$ errors due to the aerosol increased with wavelength in the UV, but were constant or slightly decreased in the visible. The ozone absorption was most sensitive at 328 nm in the UV region (328-354 nm). The $R_{sfc}$ error was +0.1 because of negative total ozone anomaly (-100 DU) under the condition of $R_{sfc}=0.15$. This study can be useful to estimate $R_{sfc}$ uncertainties in the GEMS retrieval.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2016

In this study, we estimated solar radiation by multiple regression analysis using sunshine duration and precipitation data, which are highly correlated to solar radiation. We found the regression equation using data obtained from GROM (Gangwon Regional Office of Metrology, station 105, 1980-2007) located in Gangneung, South Korea and validated the equation by applying data obtained from new GROM (newly relocated, station 104, 2009-2014) and data obtained from GWNU (Gangneung-Wonju National University, 2013-2014) located between stations 104 and 105. By using sunshine duration data alone, the estimation using data from station 104 resulted in a correlation coefficient of 0.96 and a standard error of $1.16MJm^{-2}$, which was similar to the previous results; the estimation using data from GWNU yielded better results with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a standard error of $0.57MJm^{-2}$. By using sunshine duration and precipitation data, the estimation (using data from station 104) yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.96 and a standard error of $0.99MJm^{-2}$, resulting in a lower standard error compared to what was obtained using sunshine duration data alone. The maximum solar radiation bias increased from -26.6% (March 2013) to -31.0% (February 2011) when both sunshine duration and precipitation data were incorporated into the estimation rather than when sunshine duration data alone was incorporated. This was attributed to the concentrated precipitation found during May and July-September, which resulted in negative coefficients of the estimating equation in other months. Therefore, the monthly average solar radiation should be estimated carefully when employing the monthly average precipitation for those places where precipitation is concentrated during summer, such as the Korean peninsula.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2010

A regional climate model (RCM) can be a powerful tool to enhance spatial resolution of climate and weather information (IPCC, 2001). In this study we conducted dynamical downscaling using Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) as a RCM in order to obtain high resolution regional agroclimate indices over the Korean Peninsula. For the purpose of obtaining detailed high resolution agroclimate indices, we first reproduced regional weather for the period of March to June, 2002-2008 with dynamic downscaling method under given lateral boundary conditions from NCEP/NCAR (National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research) reanalysis data. Normally, numerical model results have shown biases against observational results due to the uncertainties in the modelis initial conditions, physical parameterizations and our physical understanding on nature. Hence in this study, by employing a statistical method, the systematic bias in the modelis results was estimated and corrected for better reproduction of climate on high resolution. As a result of the correction, the systematic bias of the model was properly corrected and the overall spatial patterns in the simulation were well reproduced, resulting in more fine-resolution climatic structures. Based on these results, the fine-resolution agro-climate indices were estimated and presented. Compared with the indices derived from observation, the simulated indices reproduced the major and detailed spatial distributions. Our research shows a possibility to simulate regional climate on high resolution and agro-climate indices by using a proper downscaling method with a dynamical weather forecast model and a statistical correction method to minimize the model bias.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.87-107
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• 2005

Land Remote Sensing' is defined as the science (and to some extent, art) of acquiring information about the Earth's surface without actually being in contact with it. Narrowly speaking, this is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information. Remote sensing technology was initially developed with certain purposes in mind ie. military and environmental observation. However, after 1970s, as these high-technologies were taught to private industries, remote sensing began to be more commercialized. Recently, we are witnessing a 0.61-meter high-resolution satellite image on a free market. While privatization of land remote sensing has enabled one to use this information for disaster prevention, map creation, resource exploration and more, it can also create serious threat to a sensed nation's national security, if such high resolution images fall into a hostile group ie. terrorists. The United States, a leading nation for land remote sensing technology, has been preparing and developing legislative control measures against the remote sensing industry, and has successfully created various policies to do so. Through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's authority under the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act, the US can restrict sensing and recording of resolution of 0.5 meter or better, and prohibit distributing/circulating any images for the first 24 hours. In 1994, Presidential Decision Directive 23 ordered a 'Shutter Control' policy that details heightened level of restriction from sensing to commercializing such sensitive data. The Directive 23 was even more strengthened in 2003 when the Congress passed US Commercial Remote Sensing Policy. These policies allow Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to set up guidelines in authorizing land remote sensing, and to limit sensing and distributing satellite images in the name of the national security - US government can use the civilian remote sensing systems when needed for the national security purpose. The fact that the world's leading aerospace technology country acknowledged the magnitude of land remote sensing in the context of national security, and it has made and is making much effort to create necessary legislative measures to control the powerful technology gives much suggestions to our divided Korean peninsula. We, too, must continue working on the Korea National Space Development Act and laws to develop the necessary policies to ensure not only the development of space industry, but also to ensure the national security.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.241-263
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• 2010

KoFlux is a Korean network of micrometeorological tower sites that use eddy covariance methods to monitor the cycles of energy, water, and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the key terrestrial ecosystems in Korea. KoFlux embraces the mission of AsiaFlux, i.e. to bring Asia's key ecosystems under observation to ensure quality and sustainability of life on earth. The main purposes of KoFlux are to provide (1) an infrastructure to monitor, compile, archive and distribute data for the science community and (2) a forum and short courses for the application and distribution of knowledge and data between scientists including practitioners. The KoFlux community pursues the vision of AsiaFlux, i.e., "thinking community, learning frontiers" by creating information and knowledge of ecosystem science on carbon, water and energy exchanges in key terrestrial ecosystems in Asia, by promoting multidisciplinary cooperations and integration of scientific researches and practices, and by providing the local communities with sustainable ecosystem services. Currently, KoFlux has seven sites in key terrestrial ecosystems (i.e., five sites in Korea and two sites in the Arctic and Antarctic). KoFlux has systemized a standardized data processing based on scrutiny of the data observed from these ecosystems and synthesized the processed data for constructing database for further uses with open access. Through publications, workshops, and training courses on a regular basis, KoFlux has provided an agora for building networks, exchanging information among flux measurement and modelling experts, and educating scientists in flux measurement and data analysis. Despite such persistent initiatives, the collaborative networking is still limited within the KoFlux community. In order to break the walls between different disciplines and boost up partnership and ownership of the network, KoFlux will be housed in the National Center for Agro-Meteorology (NCAM) at Seoul National University in 2011 and provide several core services of NCAM. Such concerted efforts will facilitate the augmentation of the current monitoring network, the education of the next-generation scientists, and the provision of sustainable ecosystem services to our society.