A rule-based semi-automatic method to map burned areas: exploring the USGS historical Landsat archives to reconstruct recent fire history

摘要: This study presents a new semi-automatic method to map burned areas by using multi-temporal Land Remote Sensing Satellite Program Landsat Thematic Mapper TM and Enhanced Plus ETM+ images. The consists of set rules that are valid especially when the post-fire satellite image has been captured shortly after fire event. overall accuracy applied two case studies in Mt Parnitha Samos Island Greece were 95.69% 93.98%, respectively. commission omission errors for 6.92% 10.24%, while those 3.97% 8.80%, Between types error, it is preferred minimize errors, since can be easily identified as part product quality assessment algorithm tuning procedures. rule-based approach minimizes human interventions makes possible run mapping series images would otherwise need extensive time investment. In failure capture correctly, either make some adjustments modifying thresholding coefficients rules, or discard editing usually required correct following automated extraction When this was US Geological Survey USGS archived covering periods 1984–1991 1999–2009, total 1773 fires mapped from six different scenes covered Attica Peloponnese Greece. majority uncaptured corresponded with size classes 0–1 ha 1–5 ha, where loss capturing scars generally significant. expected small fires, recorded forest authorities, may not have data due limitations arising spatial resolution sensor imposed temporal series, which do systematically cover full period.