Analysis of MODIS NDVI Time Series to Calculate Indicators of Mediterranean Forest Fire Susceptibility
GIScience & Remote Sensing, Volume 48, Number 2 / April-June 2011
V. Chéret and J.-P. Denux
“This study was conducted to assess fire susceptibility of Mediterranean vegetation by analyzing a time series of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra images from 2000 to 2006. Synthetic indicators of vegetation status were defined based on analysis of annual variations of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and an understanding of phenological cycles. Spring and annual greenness indicators were calculated by combining NDVI values measured at different key phenological stages. The various fire susceptibility indicators were used to characterize fluctuations of vegetation activity related to changes in photosynthetic activity and fuel dryness. Susceptibility indicators were also mapped, and statistical relationships with meteorological conditions were identified.”
