Comparison of two types of forest disturbance using multitemporal Landsat TM/ETM+ imagery and field vegetation data

Abstract

Spectral response and temporal progress of two types of disturbances of spruce forest (bark beetle outbreak and clear-cuts) in the Šumava Mountains were analyzed using Landsat TM/ETM+ scenes from 1985 to 2007. The following spectral indices were estimated: NDMI, Tasseled Cap (Brightness, Greenness, Wetness), DI, and DI′.

The relationship between field vegetation data and their spectral response was also assessed.

Keywords

• Landsat
• disturbance
• bark beetle