A Review of the Applications of Remote Sensing in Fire Ecology

Date

2019-11

Authors

Szpakowski, David M.
Jensen, Jennifer L. R.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

Abstract

Wildfire plays an important role in ecosystem dynamics, land management, and global processes. Understanding the dynamics associated with wildfire, such as risks, spatial distribution, and effects is important for developing a clear understanding of its ecological influences. Remote sensing technologies provide a means to study fire ecology at multiple scales using an efficient and quantitative method. This paper provides a broad review of the applications of remote sensing techniques in fire ecology. Remote sensing applications related to fire risk mapping, fuel mapping, active fire detection, burned area estimates, burn severity assessment, and post-fire vegetation recovery monitoring are discussed. Emphasis is given to the roles of multispectral sensors, lidar, and emerging UAS technologies in mapping, analyzing, and monitoring various environmental properties related to fire activity. Examples of current and past research are provided, and future research trends are discussed. In general, remote sensing technologies provide a low-cost, multi-temporal means for conducting local, regional, and global-scale fire ecology research, and current research is rapidly evolving with the introduction of new technologies and techniques which are increasing accuracy and efficiency. Future research is anticipated to continue to build upon emerging technologies, improve current methods, and integrate novel approaches to analysis and classification.

Description

Keywords

review, fire ecology, multispectral sensors, lidar, UAS, Geography and Environmental Studies

Citation

Szpakowski, D. M., & Jensen, J. L. R. (2019). A review of the applications of remote sensing in fire ecology. Remote Sensing, 11(22): 2638.

Rights

Rights Holder

© 2019 The Authors.

Rights License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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