Geography
Mapping forest damage in northern Nicaragua after Hurricane Felix (2007) using MODIS enhanced vegetation index data
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This study employed a rapid assessment method for post-hurricane forest damage estimation following Hurricane Felix (4 September 2007) in Nicaragua, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250 m, enhanced vegetation index (EVI) imagery. Post-hurricane forest damage was characterized using pre- and post-hurricane EVI data, assisted by post-hurricane aerial photographs. The agreement between the obtained EVI damage map and the reference data set ranged from 91% in high-damage locations to 85% in low-damage locations, with 86% overall agreement. Broadleaf forests comprised more than half of the study area and experienced larger damage (>75% trees blown down) than Pine forests. Results indicate that MODIS 250 m EVI products are adequate for post-hurricane damage assessment of tropical forests. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Publication Title
GIScience and Remote Sensing
Publication Date
2013
Volume
50
Issue
4
First Page
385
Last Page
399
ISSN
1548-1603
DOI
10.1080/15481603.2013.820066
Keywords
disturbances, Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte (RAAN), tropical forest management
Repository Citation
Rossi, Esteban; Rogan, John; and Schneider, Laura, "Mapping forest damage in northern Nicaragua after Hurricane Felix (2007) using MODIS enhanced vegetation index data" (2013). Geography. 650.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_geography/650