Burn scar analysis using remotely sensed multispectral imagery

This paper describes a simple image processing algorithm that estimates the area of burn scars using multispectral imagery acquired by space based remote sensing platforms. The algorithm is used to track the regeneration of biomass destroyed by the 2011, Central Florida, Iron Horse brush fire. Our results indicate approximately 6.98e7 m² (17,257 acres) were destroyed by the fire and nearly 100% of the burned biomass regenerated in less than 1 year.