HR: 0800h
AN: G11A-1185    [Abstracts]
TI: Use of Polar Orbiting Earth Observatories to Create a Synoptic Inventory of North American Forested Areas Affected by Wildfire
AU: * Sohlberg, R
EM: sohlberg@umd.edu
AF: Department of Geography, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
AU: Carroll, M
G11A-1185 AF: Department of Geography, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
AU: Townshend, J
G11A-1185 AF: Department of Geography, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
AU: Townshend, J
G11A-1185 AF: Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
AU: Townshend, J
G11A-1185 AF: Institute for Advanced Computing Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
AU: McCarty, J
G11A-1185 AF: Department of Geography, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
AB: The authors will discuss a newly developed algorithm which utilizes the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites to derive an ongoing inventory of forested areas affected by wildfire. The experimental data set has been developed at a spatial resolution of 250 m and a temporal resolution of 16 days. The intent is to provide a near real-time inventory of fire-affected forested landscapes. The method allows for discrimination between those areas which were recently burned and those which were burned previously in the same or earlier fire seasons. This is an automated and repeatable method for delineating fire-affected forest at a country scale. By relying entirely on satellite observations, the product is intended to be internally consistent, avoiding potential bias and omission introduced by ground and airborne-based mapping. The data set is intended for use at a national and regional scale to update forest inventories in a rapid fashion, and to direct land management efforts. This moderate resolution product can then be used to direct detailed inventory and characterization efforts utilizing fine resolution instruments and in situ observation. Additional features of the data set provide the ability to gain a basic understanding of the spatial distribution of burn severity. Based upon user requirements, such as the need to monitor specific events of national importance, the methods presented can be adapted to provide results on a daily basis. We will present validation results using perimeter and progression maps produced for large fires in the western United States and Alaska. Special attention will be given to future operational opportunities as we move to the next generation instrument, VIIRS, which will first launch aboard the NPP platform and later on a planned series of NPOESS satellites.
DE: 0468 Natural hazards
DE: 0480 Remote sensing
SC: Geodesy [G]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005