Identification and assessment of pine forest areas affected by snowfalls through satellite data

R. Nedkov; Emiliya Velizarova; Nikolai Georgiev

doi:10.1117/12.2533711

27 June 2019 Identification and assessment of pine forest areas affected by snowfalls through satellite data

R. Nedkov, Emiliya Velizarova, Nikolai Georgiev

Proceedings Volume 11174, Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2019); 111741F (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2533711
Event: Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2019), 2019, Paphos, Cyprus

Abstract

The pine biome is of great importance for the Mediterranean flora, because it forms natural forest stands from low altitudes up to the timberline in the Mediterranean Basin, which are capable of exhibiting large ecological adaptation toward climatic amplitudes. For Bulgaria, the significance of the pine forests is related to their role in reduction of soil erosion, through slowing the water runoff and thus helping to provide a year-round supply of water in the ecosystems. Such plantations become vulnerable to damages from natural and anthropogenic origins, such as wind-throws, snow breakages, wet snowfalls, fires. We have tested different sensors and platforms for relevant data collection in order to allow for an improved identification and understanding of the changes occurring in forest cover, forest structure, and disturbance regimes in mountain forests affected by snowfalls. For the purpose of the study, radar and optical satellite images from the sensors Sentinel 1, Sentinel 2 (ESA), Landsat 8 and MODIS (NASA) were used. Composite raster images from the Sentinel 2, Landsat 8 and MODIS sensors were obtained. Two types of polarization were used in order to recognize areas covered by wet snow. Thematic maps for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the consequences of snowfalls and snow breakages have been generated. Based on the satellite, GPS and terrain data, the areas of severe damages in forests have been successfully identified and assessed.

Citation Download Citation

R. Nedkov, Emiliya Velizarova, and Nikolai Georgiev "Identification and assessment of pine forest areas affected by snowfalls through satellite data", Proc. SPIE 11174, Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2019), 111741F (27 June 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2533711

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KEYWORDS

Satellites

Climatology

Earth observing sensors

Sensors

Composites

Aerospace engineering

MODIS

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