Mapping forest damage in northern Nicaragua after Hurricane Felix (2007) using MODIS enhanced vegetation index data

Authors

Esteban Rossi, Clark University
John Rogan, Clark University
Laura Schneider, Rutgers University–New Brunswick

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