NEAR REAL TIME BURN SCARS DETECTION IN THAILAND USING TERRA MODIS DATA

This presents a development of the new near real time burn scars detection algorithm using Terra MODIS data. Its goal is to introduce new and effective NRT monitoring capabilities for the burn scars estimation using LANDSAT in Thailand, where NRT information is missing, for more efficient forest fire control resources allocation. The concept of the newly proposed near real time burn scars detection algorithm was developed based on the information found in the Fire Experiment (in collaboration with the Forest Fire Control Office at the Huai-Kha-Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary) and MODIS comparison. The derivative from Band 1 and 2, NDVI, was used to distinguish vegetations' condition change (unusual low). Band 20, a thermal band, was used to discriminate abnormal pixel temperature (unusual high). The scatter plot of Burn and Un- burn pixels is the fundamental knowledge to calculate the burn-un-burn separation using a linear equation. Validation shows well conformed additional temporal burn scars detection information with good accuracy in term of forest fire burn scars dynamic movement throughout the forest fire season in the year 2002.