Vegetation monitoring for Guatemala: A comparison between simulated VIIRS and MODIS satellite data

Vijendra K. Boken, Gregory L. Easson, James Rowland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) data are being widely used for vegetation monitoring across the globe. However, sensors will discontinue collecting these data in the near future. National Aeronautics and Space Administration is planning to launch a new sensor, visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS), to continue to provide satellite data for vegetation monitoring. This article presents a case study of Guatemala and compares the simulated VIIRS-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with MODIS-NDVI for four different dates each in 2003 and 2005. The dissimilarity between VIIRS-NDVI and MODIS-NDVI was examined on the basis of the percent difference, the two-tailed student's t-test, and the coefficient of determination, R2. The per cent difference was found to be within 3%, the p-value ranged between 0.52 and 0.99, and R2 exceeded 0.88 for all major types of vegetation (basic grains, rubber, sugarcane, coffee and forests) found in Guatemala. It was therefore concluded that VIIRS will be almost equally capable of vegetation monitoring as MODIS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)617-627
Number of pages11
JournalGeocarto International
Volume25
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

Keywords

  • Central america
  • Crop condition monitoring
  • Food security
  • Performance evaluation
  • Remote sensing
  • Statistical difference

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Water Science and Technology

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