The development of an operational procedure for burned-area mapping using object-based classification and ASTER imagery

Abstract

Although burned-area mapping at a regional level is traditionally based on the use of Landsat data, the potential gap in the sensor's data collection emphasizes the need to find alternative data sources to be used in the operational mapping of burned areas. This work aims to investigate whether it is possible to develop a transferable object-based classification model for burned-area mapping using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery. The initial step in the investigation involved the development of an object-based classification model for accurately mapping burned areas in central Portugal using an ASTER image, and subsequently an examination of its performance when mapping a burned area located on the island of Rhodes, Greece, using a different ASTER image. Results indicate that the combined use of object-based image analysis and ASTER imagery can provide an alternative operational tool that could be used to identify and map burned areas and thus fill a potential gap in Landsat data collection.