An environmental change indicator based on satellite time series: NDVI-PV

摘要

Understanding the features and dynamic nature of environmental variability is fundamental for effective resource management. In this context, satellites can provide very useful data at various spatial and temporal scales. NOAA-AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) data can be used to extract information efficiently and cheaply for monitoring and characterizing spatial and temporal dynamics of surface parameters; nevertheless, efforts are required to test and evaluate methods and techniques to be applied for operational applications. We devised an environmental indicator based on AVHRR-NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) time series for the Italian Environmental Protection Agency in order to characterize the temporal and spatial dynamics of vegetation. By comparing ancillary data, the NDVI-PV is proved to be able to emphasize the variations and to enhance the physical changes occurring in a landscape.