ΑΠΟΤΕΛΈΣΜΑΤΑ & ΔΡΆΣΕΙΣ

ΑΠΟΤΕΛΈΣΜΑΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΕΠΙΤΕΎΓΜΑΤΑ

2015 – Multitemporal LAI maps

ERMES LAI (Leaf Area Index) products are providing during 2015 season near real time information related to the status of rice fields, derived from multitemporal satellite images. Leaf area index (LAI) is a dimensionless quantity that characterizes plant canopies. It is defined as the one-sided green leaf area per unit ground surface area (LAI = leaf area / ground area, m2 / m2) in broadleaf canopies.

ERMES LAI regional maps rely on high quality operational satellite products. VGT/PROBA-V COPERNICUS Global Land as main sensor and MODIS (MOD15A2) as backup have been selected. Satellite maps have been resampled to 2Km spatial resolution.

On the other hand, ERMES LAI local maps rely on the analysis of multitemporal high resolution Landsat images. Examples of LAI maps retrieved for the three local study areas selected in ERMES are shown in the animated figure below (click on the image to see the animation).

HR_LAI_maps_animation

Evolution of LAI derived from a Radiative Transfer Model Inversion and Landsat imagery during the 2015 rice cycle over the three local sites. Non arable land areas were masked out.

Besides allowing to analyze the spatial variability of rice crop status, LAI maps will provide valuable input information for the WARM model, used in the ERMES project able to simulate rice growth in the different areas.

LAI Maps are being created for all ERMES Regional and Local study areas both for 2015 and made available to ERMES users through the ERMES Geoportal and Online catalogue.