Satellite-based indices in the analysis of land cover for municipalities in the province of Siena, Italy.
Territorial indicators based on the satellite measured reflected or emitted energy can provide valuable information on the spatial evolution of a territory. Information regarding land use, biomass coverage and radiant temperature were obtained from remotely obtained measurements for each municipality in the Province of Siena. Remotely sensed data were combined into different indices to compare characteristics of land cover between territories and create an information base for continued study. A classification was performed on a municipal level and land use classes were grouped together and a general index of use pressure was created. A vegetation index was used to compare biomass densities. A radiant temperature index was calculated using measure thermal infrared emissions. The results of these analyses allowed researchers to examine the intra and inter-municipal spatial heterogeneity within the Province. A comparison between the results of each index was made and the problems related to the use of such indices were examined.
Focardi
Silvia
S
Department of Chemical and Biosystems Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 1, 53100 Siena, Italy. focardis@unisi.it
Loiselle
Steven A
SA
Mazzuoli
Stefania
S
Bracchini
Luca
L
Dattilo
Arduino M
AM
Rossi
Claudio
C
D018533:Biomass; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D007558:Italy; D063245:Plant Development