Remote sensing techniques to assess active fire characteristics and post-fire effects

Authors

Leigh B. Lentile, University of IdahoFollow
Zachary A. Holden, U.S. Department of AgricultureFollow
Alistair M.S. Smith, University of IdahoFollow
Michael J. Falkowski, University of IdahoFollow
Andrew T. Hudak, Rocky Mountain Research StationFollow
Penelope Morgan, University of IdahoFollow
Sarah A. Lewis, Rocky Mountain Research StationFollow
Paul E. Gessler, University of IdahoFollow
Nate C. Benson, National Interagency Fire CenterFollow

Date of this Version

2006

Citation

International Journal of Wildland Fire, 2006, 15, 319–345

Abstract

Space and airborne sensors have been used to map area burned, assess characteristics of active fires, and characterize post-fire ecological effects. Confusion about fire intensity, fire severity, burn severity, and related terms can result in the potential misuse of the inferred information by land managers and remote sensing practitioners who require unambiguous remote sensing products for fire management. The objective of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive review of current and potential remote sensing methods used to assess fire behavior and effects and ecological responses to fire. We clarify the terminology to facilitate development and interpretation of comprehensible and defensible remote sensing products, present the potential and limitations of a variety of approaches for remotely measuring active fires and their post-fire ecological effects, and discuss challenges and future directions of fire-related remote sensing research.