Computer‐aided data processing techniques were used to analyze multispectral data in order to map surface soil patterns and to follow the changes in multispectral radiation from a field of maize (Zea mays L.) during a period from seeding to maturity. Panchromatic aerial photography was obtained before planting. Multispectral scanner missions were flown both before planting and on several dates after planting to obtain reflectance measurements in 13 wavelengths bands. Reflectance measurements in the orange portion of the visible spectrum were used for grouping May and June data into seven different soil classes according to their spectral response. The reflective infrared spectral band was used in analyzing August data to separate maize into different spectral categories. Three selected bands of data were used to arrive at the resulting classifications. The computer‐produced soil patterns had a striking similarity to the soil patterns of the aerial photograph. These patterns became less distinct as the canopy increased but remained visible. Changes in reflective infrared reflectance also indicated areas where the maize had deteriorated, due possibly to corn leaf blight infection.
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Kristof et al. (1975) studied this question.