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NDVI: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

Posted on March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 by KUMBIRAI MATINGO

NDVI Definition

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In the simplest terms possible, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measures the greenness and the density of the vegetation captured in a satellite image. Healthy vegetation has a very Женские высокие кожаные кроссовки nike air jordan 1 mid cheerless smoke grey#найк — цена 1950 грн в каталоге Кроссовки ✓ Купить женские вещи по доступной цене на Шафе , Украина #96477706 , Heres a recap of the Jordan Brand 32 South State Fashion Show characteristic spectral reflectance curve which we can benefit from by calculating the difference between two bands – visible red and near-infrared. NDVI is that difference expressed as a number – ranging from -1 to 1.

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index: Change Detection

NDVI of a crop or a plant calculated regularly over periods of time can reveal a lot about the changes in their conditions. In other words, we can use NDVI to estimate plant health remotely.

A sudden drop in the NDVI values may be a symptom of crop health deterioration.

The value drop can also correspond to normal changes, such as the time of harvesting, which is why NDVI should be counter-checked against other available data. Correct NDVI values interpretation can help agronomists raise healthier yields, save money on fertilizers, and take a better care of the environment.

NDVI Calculation

NDVI is derived from satellite imagery and calculated in accordance with the formula:

Where:

NIR – light reflected in the near-infrared spectrum
RED – light reflected in the red range of the spectrum

According to this formula, the density of vegetation (NDVI) at a certain point of the image is equal to the difference in the intensities of reflected light in the red and infrared range divided by the sum of these intensities.

Index Range

NDVI defines values ​​from -1.0 to 1.0, where negative values ​​are mainly formed from clouds, water and snow, and values ​​close to zero are primarily formed from rocks and bare soil.

Very small values ​​(0.1 or less) of the NDVI function correspond to empty areas of rocks, sand or snow.

Moderate values ​​(from 0.2 to 0.3) represent shrubs and meadows, while large values ​​(from 0.6 to 0.8) indicate temperate and tropical forests.

NDVI Saturation

There are certain well-known limitations to the use of normalized difference vegetation index that should not be ignored. Namely, a phenomenon sometimes called “”saturation”” occurs when the amount of leaf pigments reaches a critical point, thus decreasing NDVI’s sensitivity.

As the reflectance in the NIR band keeps increasing at the latest stages of crop development, the RED light remains absorbed. In other words, the NIR value keeps growing, but the RED value stays the same. As a result, the NDVI values become less reliable indicators of crop health.

NDVI in Remote Sensing

NDVI is probably one of the most common remote sensing indices out there. Its practical applications are incredibly diverse, including quantifying forest supply and being used as a drought indicator. Among its other uses are forecasting fire zones and desert offensive maps.

Precision agriculture platforms, take advantage of NDVI to guide crop scouts to problem areas in the field and improve the precision of fertilizer application and irrigation, among other field treatment activities. NDVI is preferable for global vegetation monitoring since it helps to compensate for changes in lighting conditions, surface slope, exposure, and other external factors.

What is NDVI in Agriculture?

Put simply, normalized difference vegetation index is a measure of the state of plant health based on how the plant reflects light at certain frequencies (some waves are absorbed and others are reflected).

Chlorophyll (a health indicator pigment) strongly absorbs visible light, and the cellular structure of the leaves strongly reflects near-infrared light. When the plant becomes dehydrated, sick, afflicted with disease, etc., the spongy layer deteriorates, and the plant absorbs more of the near-infrared light, rather air jordan 11 cherry holiday 2022 than reflecting it. Thus, observing how NIR changes compared to red light provides an accurate indication of the presence of chlorophyll, which correlates with plant health.NDVI scheme of work

KUMBIRAI MATINGO
KUMBIRAI MATINGO

Kumbirai is a GIS & MEAL specialist using geospatial analytics to advance global health and social impact. A certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), an open-data advocate and self-taught software developer, he builds web GIS tools that turn field data into decisions. He lectures in GIS/Remote Sensing and mentors emerging practitioners. Founder of a geospatial startup and nonprofit, he believes, “Real geospatial innovation happens when we empower communities with the right tools and knowledge.” Open to consulting and collaborations.

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