A pragmatic assessment of the usefulness of the MODIS (Terra and Aqua) 1-km active fire (MOD14A2 and MYD14A2) products for mapping fires in the fynbos biome
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
The moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) fire-affected area data are not currently
available for download by the public; therefore, 1-km pixel MODIS active fire data (MOD14A2 and MYD14A2) were
assessed as a potential source of fire history data for the fynbos biome. These data mapped between 60.1 and 65.7% of
the area within fire boundaries mapped by reserve managers between July 2002 and April 2005. These results should
not be taken as a negative reflection on the MODIS team, as active fires do not aim to map fire-affected area. Rather
this exercise has helped identify specific limitations in the fynbos, which will provide insight into the fine-tuning of
other MODIS fire products for use in the fynbos. Limitations are likely to be primarily due to sun-glint around
coastlines; topographic shadows; highly reflective, light soils exposed after a fire; partial burning of pixels; patchy and
irregular-shaped fires; and large pixel size. The MODIS active fire data are not sufficient for the purposes of developing
a 4-year fire history of the fynbos. The publication of the 500-m MODIS fire-affected area data is eagerly anticipated as
a solution.
Description
Keywords
Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), Cape Floristic Region, Conservation management -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Fire-affected area -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Fire scars -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Geographic information systems, Remote sensing
Citation
De Klerk, H. 2008. A pragmatic assessment of the usefulness of the MODIS (Terra andAqua) 1-km active fire (MOD14A2 and MYD14A2) products for mapping fires in the fynbos biome, 17, 166–178, doi: 10.1071/WF06040 1049-8001/08/020166