Albright Thomas P. author Ode D.J. author 2011 FY 2011 Potamogeton crispus L. (curly pondweed) is a cosmopolitan aquatic macrophyte considered invasive in North America and elsewhere. Its range is expanding and, on individual water bodies, its coverage can be dynamic both within and among years. In this study, we evaluate the use of free and low-cost satellite remote sensing data to monitor a problematic emergent macrophyte community dominated by P. crispus. Between 2000 and 2006, we acquired eight satellite images of 24,000-ha Lake Sharpe, South Dakota (USA). During one of the dates for which satellite imagery was acquired, we sampled the lake for P. crispus and other emergent macrophytes using GPS and photography for documentation. We used cluster analysis to assist in classification of the satellite imagery and independently validated results using the field data. Resulting estimates of emergent macrophyte coverage ranged from less than 20 ha in 2002 to 245 ha in 2004. Accuracy assessment indicated 82% of image pixels were correctly classified, with errors being primarily due to failure to identify emergent macrophytes. These results emphasize the dynamic nature of P. crispus-dominated macrophyte communities and show how they can be effectively monitored over large areas using low-cost remote sensing imagery. While results may vary in other systems depending on water quality and local flora, such an approach could be applied elsewhere and for a variety of macrophyte communities. accuracy accuracy assessment Advanced Wide-Field Sensor (AWiFS) area assessment classification cluster analysis curly pondweed data dynamics error field data Global Positioning System (GPS) GPS image imagery journal articles lake Landsat large area macrophyte monitoring North America operational photography pixel Potamogeton crispus remote sensing remote sensing imagery satellite satellite image satellite imagery satellite remote sensing South Dakota United States USA water water bodies water quality exported from refbase (http://eros.usgs.gov/refbase/show.php?record=24058), last updated on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:00:47 -0500 text http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0537-8 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0537-8 Albright+Ode2011 EROS @ cdeering @ 1069 2011 continuing periodical academic journal 661 1 469 474 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0537-8