VIP Data Explorer: A Tool for Exploring 30 years of Vegetation Index and Land Surface Phenology

Kamel Didan, The University of Arizona, didan@email.arizona.edu (Presenter)
Armando Barreto Munoz, The University of Arizona, abarreto@email.arizona.edu

Continuous acquisition of global satellite imagery over the years has contributed to the creation of long term data records from AVHRR, MODIS, TM, SPOT-VGT and other sensors. These records account for 30+ years, as these archives grow, they become invaluable tools for environmental, resources management, and climate studies dealing with trends and changes from local, regional to global scale.

The Vegetation Index and Phenology Lab (vip.arizona.edu) is processing 30 years of daily global surface reflectance data into an Earth Science Data Record of Vegetation Index and Phenology metrics. Data from AVHRR (N07,N09,N11 and N14) and MODIS (AQUA and TERRA) for the periods 1981-1999 and 2000+, at CMG resolution were processed into a seamless and sensor independent data record using a suite of methodology for filtering, across-sensor continuity, and spatial and temporal gap filling techniques. The first provisional version of this data record is now available for public download via the group web page and the LP-DAAC.

An interactive online tool (VIP Data Explorer) was developed to support the visualization, qualitative and quantitative exploration, distribution, and documentation of these records using a simple web 2.0 interface. The VIP Data explorer (http://vip.arizona.edu/viplab_data_explorer) can display any combination of these multi temporal and multi source data, enable the quickly exploration and cross comparison of their various levels of processing. This tool is based on the Google Earth (GE) model and was developed using the GE API for image rendering, manipulation and geolocation.

Using this Data Explorer tool, the Vegetation Index and Phenology ESDRs can be quickly animated and visually explored for trends and anomalies. The 30+ years temporal profile of any land pixel can be extracted and displayed in an interactive window. Any desired data can placed into a dynamic 'cart' to be ordered and downloaded later. More functionalities are planned for this data explorer and will be added as the project progresses.

Presentation: 2011_Oct04_AM_Didan_345.pptx (4120k)

Presentation Type:  Plenary Talk

Session:  Poster Speed Talks:

Presentation Time:  Tue 11:05 AM  (5 minutes)