Phenology and trend indicators derived from spatially dynamic bi-weekly satellite imagery to support ecosystem monitoring

Abstract

Ground-based ecosystem monitoring presents some practical challenges to natural resource managers and ecologists tasked with assessing vegetation dynamics across large areas through time. RangeView (http://rangeview.arizona.edu) provides online access to spatially and temporally explicit biweekly vegetation indices derived from satellite data. It also permits side-by-side comparisons of different periods and relative greenness products (e.g., difference from average). Qualitative visualization of vegetation dynamics could be enhanced with quantitative assessment of phenology for specific locations and time periods. Case studies of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Mogollon Rim suggest phenological indicators of greenness onset, peak greenness, and length of growing season show promise for quantitative assessment of vegetation trends.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Orr, Barron J.; Casady, Grant M.; Tuttle, Daniel G.; van Leeuwen, Willem J. D.; Baker, Laura E.; McDonald, Colleen I.; Marsh, Stuart E. 2005. Phenology and trend indicators derived from spatially dynamic bi-weekly satellite imagery to support ecosystem monitoring. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 206-211