Class Project for Ian Mullet A MODIS Proposal Class Project for Ian Mullet
Cataloguing Wildfires Wildfires affect air quality They should be included as inputs in air quality models
Wildfire Database An extensive wildfire database has been created by students in Dr. David Allen’s research group But… The information comes from diverse sources with differing specifics Can MODIS help?
MODIS Moderate Resolution Infrared Spectroradiometer Placed on three satellites Data obtained in 36 spectral bands
Fire Mask NASA developed algorithm Delivered in an Excel file from CSR Data included: -Wattage -Lat and Long -Date and Time
Fires from MODIS listed by day
Map of Manual Database
Goal of Project To compare the two datasets in hopes of reconciling the two. To determine usefulness of MODIS in cataloguing wildfires.
How can remote sensing be used to improve a wildfire inventory? The location of the fire can be corrected by using more accurate coordinates generated by MODIS. The wattage value can serve as a burning rate for multi-day fires.
Challenges and Questions What is the size threshold for MODIS to detect a fire? Can the wattage values be used to estimate fire size? Each database will provide insight into the other!