Congaltonl In response to an Announcement of Opportunity for the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program (GLOBE) this project is designed to meet the GLOBE goals and objectives of linking scientists and schoolchildren in a global information network with the ultimate goal of better understanding the Earth's environment and changes that take place within it. This proposal to GLOBE PHASE II is designed to integrate reference data collection by K-12 students and accuracy assessment of land cover maps derived from remotely sensed data into the GLOBE initiative. The specific objectives of this work are: 1. To develop and implement a protocol for enabling student-collected reference data to assess the accuracy of remotely sensed information. 2. To incorporate the reference data for accuracy assessment in support of other GLOBE investigators and for other regional and national mapping efforts to be identified early on in this effort. The use of GPS equipment for locating ground points will be coordinated with the P.I. for GPS. The goal of the project will be to focus the reference data collection to appropriate projects and produce a show-case result early on. In addition to protocol design, extensive training and support materials will be developed for the students and teachers working with this effort.
