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DIGITAL ANALYSIS OF LANDSAT DATA 
IN THE ATHABASCA DELTA 
Janet Harper 
and 
G.A. Ro s s 
Faculty of Environmental Design 
University of Calgary 
Calgary, Alberta 
CANADA T2N 1N4 
ABSTRACT 
The usefulness of digital image analysis of change in the 
landforms of the Athabasca Delta located in northeastern 
Alberta, Canada was tested. DICS tapes were analyzed using 
a small computer and standard statistical programs. The 
study area is unique in Alberta, ecologically critical to 
wildlife and an important part of the land-based economy of 
the local community. The Delta has been drastically changed 
in the past by a hydro-electric development upstream and could 
be affected in the future by several developments both 
upstream and downstream. DICS tapes for approximate anni 
versary dates in three years were obtained, along with corres 
ponding black-and-white or color infrared airphotos. The 
airphotos were used to classify sample pixels, which were 
then subjected to discriminant analysis to obtain classifi 
cation functions. Change between images was determined. 
The methodology has relatively little potential for moni 
toring of geomorphological change in the Athabasca Delta, 
because of the complex nature of the landforms. If a smaller 
number of generalized units were the subject of analysis, 
the methodology would be more useful. 
INTRODUCTION 
The purpose of this project is to examine one method of ana 
lyzing LANDSAT data and determine whether the method and the 
data base are adequate to supply information significant in 
ecological management of the area. The method was designed 
for a small, non-dedicated computer and utilizes standard 
statistical packages. 
The specific objectives of the project were: 
o To determine whether the landforms of the Atha 
basca Delta can be adequately differentiated by 
digital analysis of LANDSAT data 
o To ascertain the usefulness of digital analysis 
as a tool in the management of the study area. 
STUDY AREA 
The study area in northeastern Alberta is part of the Peace- 
Athabasca Delta, one of the largest freshwater deltas in the 
world. The Delta was formed in a pre-glacial river valley 
and is maintained in early serai stages by occasional floods