F. Guerra et al., THE FOREST-SAVANNA DYNAMICS FROM MULTI-DATE LANDSAT-TM DATA IN SIERRA-PARIMA, VENEZUELA, International journal of remote sensing, 19(11), 1998, pp. 2061-2075
Two Landsat-TM images are used for the identification, characterisatio
n and spatialisation of vegetation changes. In this approach a methodo
logy using a differential image from the vegetation index (MSAVI) is e
mployed. The MSAVI vegetation type relation enabled the identification
of vegetation changes. Finally, spatialisation of the transformation
was obtained by multi-date classification. The evolutive vegetation tr
ends were interpreted in conjunction with relief, vegetation and land
use data. The results show that human activity not only induced degrad
ation but also the regeneration of abandoned areas. The overall ecolog
ical balance shows degradation outweighed regeneration. The method is
appropriate to monitoring and interpreting of vegetation dynamics in t
ropical rain forests.