At SuperVision Earth, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to provide actionable insights for environmental monitoring and management. One of the key aspects of our work involves using Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data to monitor changes in land cover over time. This blog post will highlight our approach to using these indices for generating valuable EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) product, with a focus on a case study of the Meghalaya region from 2016 to 2024.
Calculating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI):
The NDVI is a widely used index to assess the density and health of vegetation based on satellite imagery or remote sensing data. It is computed using the reflectance values of near-infrared (NIR) and red light bands captured by sensors.
The formula for NDVI is:
Where:
NIR is the reflectance in the near-infrared band,
Red is the reflectance in the red band.
The NDVI values range from -1 to +1, where higher values indicate healthier and denser vegetation (closer to +1), while lower values indicate sparse or stressed vegetation (closer to -1 or 0). This index is valuable for monitoring changes in vegetation cover, identifying deforestation, assessing crop health, and studying land-use changes over time.
Importance of EUDR Reports:
EUDR Reports are essential for monitoring and combating deforestation and forest degradation. They provide a standardized approach to assess the impact of human activities on forested areas, helping policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions. Our EUDR Product Reports include detailed land cover maps, change detection analyses, and statistical reports, all aimed at promoting sustainable land management practices and helping large-scale companies active in the EU market to become EUDR compliant and avoid any possible financial penalties and market suspensions.
Case Study: Meghalaya Region (2016 - 2024):
The Meghalaya region in India is known for its rich biodiversity and significant forest cover. However, like many other regions, it faces challenges related to deforestation and land degradation. By analyzing NDVI data from 2016 and 2024, we have created detailed land cover classification maps to understand the changes in vegetation and land use over this period.
Land Cover Classification:
Using NDVI thresholds, we classified the land cover into seven categories:
Water
Built-up/RiverSand
BarrenLand
Sparse Vegetation
Moderate Vegetation
Dense Vegetation
Highly Reflective Surface or Highly Dense Vegetation
The maps below illustrate the land cover classifications for 2016 and 2024.
Analysis and Insights:
By comparing the two maps, we can observe significant changes in land cover over the eight years. Notably, there has been a reduction in dense vegetation areas, indicating deforestation activities. Conversely, areas of built-up land have increased, reflecting urban expansion and infrastructure development.
The changes in land cover have profound implications for the region's biodiversity. The reduction in dense vegetation affects wildlife habitats and ecosystem services. Our analyses help stakeholders to understand these impacts and take necessary actions to mitigate negative outcomes.
Highly Reflective Surfaces:
These surfaces exhibit exceptional reflectance in satellite imagery due to their ability to efficiently bounce back incoming solar radiation. Examples include snow-covered landscapes, salt pans, and certain urban materials like metal rooftops. These surfaces appear bright or white in satellite images, providing valuable insights into environmental conditions such as snow cover extent or urban heat island effects.
SuperVision's Role:
The case study of the Meghalaya region highlights the importance of EUDR product in understanding and managing land cover changes. Through detailed maps, statistical analyses, and change detection, SuperVision provides valuable insights to support sustainable development goals. Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and how we continue to leverage technology for environmental conservation.
Call to Action:
If you are interested in learning more about our EUDR product or have any questions regarding the regulations, due diligence reports and related subjects concerning the deforestation risks of your supply chain. Login to https://www.supervision.earth/supervision-eudr to stay updated on our latest projects and initiatives.