Culturally derived watersheds and their effect on the spectral signatures of vegetation in the Dupuis Reserve

Like so many natural areas in south Florida, the Dupuis Reserves' landscape has gone through extreme alteration due to numerous cultural activities. Activities including drainage, cattle ranching, and citrus farming have altered the reserves natural hydrology causing the formation of several watersheds. This hydrologic alteration has caused the once homogenous ecosystem to fragment into two separate landscapes: one dominated by drainage and human impact while the other remains in a relatively natural state. This study will attempt to determine, with the use of remote sensing, geographic information systems and digital image classifications if culturally derived watersheds cause significant change in the spectral signatures of vegetation. Results indicate that when the study site is sectioned along culturally derived watersheds, classification accuracy is significantly improved.