Temporal Analysis of Vegetation Cover

AVHRR and MODIS data can be used to characterize the temporal and spatial dynamics of vegetation, particularly agricultural landscapes, on a regional basis. Parameters such as starting date of green-up (1), duration of greenness (5), maximum greenness (3), and time of maximum greenness (4) are indicators of vegetation productivity that can be obtained from temporal profiles of vegetation indices.

A historical record of vegetation condition is providing a base for evaluating vegetative condition at county to regional levels, as well an assessment of changes associated with potential climate change in the region. We are assembling an on-line data base of satellite data, along with crop, weather and soils data to analyze and model crop productivity and condition.