Wildfires considerably disturb the structure and forest ecosystem functioning. The disturbances estimation as well as the extent of damage to the soil and vegetation soon after the fire is crucial information for planning of restoration efforts. Because of the financial resources needed for field work and the involvement of experts, remote aerospace methods and data are extensively employed in monitoring ecological research. The aim of this paper is to assess postfire forest disturbances and initial regrowth processes using the tasseled cap derived Direction Angle (DA). DA is an index introduced by the authors in previous research – the angle between the Greenness component from the TCT (tasseled cap transformation) and VIC (Vector of Instantaneous Condition). The proposed method is based on linear orthogonal transformation of multispectral satellite images and is characterized with higher accuracy compared to standard methodologies using vegetation indices. The higher accuracy of the methodology is based on the linear orthogonal transformation of multispectral satellite images (TCT), which increases the degree of identification of the three main components changing during fire – soil, vegetation, and moisture/water. The methodology proposed in this paper is characterized by high accuracy in assessing the recovery of undergrowth, that is difficult to differentiate using standard monitoring methodologies based on vegetation indices. The DA raster images show the direction of change of the green tasseled cap component (TCG) relative to the VIC, which allows to estimate the degree of recovery of the vegetation component for different moments of the study period. The variations observed in DA values illustrate the pattern of the green component at various points during the investigation period, enabling the assessment of disturbances and the monitoring of regrowth processes. The test area is located in the Middle Rhodopes, near the village of Hvoyna (Smolyan region), Bulgaria, where on 28/08/2023 a wildfire broke out. 1,500 decares have been burnt by the fire, including deciduous and coniferous forest. The wildfire affected 100-130 years old black pine (Pinus nigra) forests.
Wildfires are natural processes in the ecosystem, some of them causing significant environmental disturbances. The remote aerospace methods and data can provide an efficient, easy and cost-effective tool for monitoring the recovery of burnt forests which is an essential task in the ecological research. The aim of this study is to monitor post-fire forest regrowth introducing an approach using the tasseled cap derived Disturbance Index (DI), Vector of Instantaneous Condition (VIC) and Direction Angle (DA). The high accuracy of the methodology is based on the linear orthogonal transformation of multispectral satellite images (Tasseled cap transformation (TCT)), which increases the degree of identification of the three main components changing during fire – soil, vegetation and moisture. The proposed method was tested on the territory of three test fires with different forest environments, located next to Bistritsa, Ardino, and Perperek, Bulgaria. For the purpose of post-fire regrowth monitoring Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite imageries have been used for the study period – 2012-2022. For the purpose of validation very high resolution (VHR) satellite data have been used that include World View (2/3) and GeoEye (1) sensors as well as aerial images. Results obtained by the implementation of the proposed approach represent the post-fire regrowth dynamics. The DA follows the change trends of the VIC, however, more clearly represents the changes of the Greenness TC component for the studied period.
Forest fires are natural ecosystem processes with significant environmental impact. Monitoring the recovery processes is vital to ecological research. The aim of this study is monitoring post-fire forest regrowth using remote aerospace methods and data. To achieve this goal, Differenced Disturbance Index classification was applied for quantitative assessment of the post-fire forest regrowth. The study area is situated in the northeastern part of Rhodope Mountains, near Chernyovtsi village, 15 km from the city of Kardzhali, Bulgaria. A fire took place on October 1, 2012 and affected an area of 15 ha with mixed forests and coniferous forests. For the post-fire forest regrowth monitoring Landsat (ETM+, OLI and OLI-2) satellite imageries were used once per year in August for the 10-year study period – 2012-2022. After applying the proposed methodology, the results are classified maps exhibiting the post-fire regrowth. The data and results of this research will be able to serve Destination Earth (DestinE), which is an ambitious initiative of the European Union to create a digital model of the Earth that will be used for monitoring the effects of natural and human activities on our planet, prediction of extreme events and adapting policies to the climate challenges. The data and models will serve the Bulgarian initiative for the construction of the Digital Twins, which is being pilot developed in the department of Aerospace Information, Space Research and Technology Institute – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Open Data were used in this study, with the aim of promoting the Open science policy and FAIR principles as much as possible
KEYWORDS: Vegetation, Satellites, Water content, Reflectivity, Near infrared, Satellite imaging, Earth observing sensors, Short wave infrared radiation, Ecosystems, Data modeling
Wetlands are ecologically vital habitats that play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. They are considered to be among the most productive ecosystems on the planet that provide numerous benefits. For the purposes of this study, Straldzha Complex Protected Area, Bulgaria was chosen as the object of investigation. Straldzha Complex Protected Area includes a reservoir and surrounding wetlands and meadows, the remains of the eastern part of the former Straldzha Plateau (the largest plateau ever in Bulgaria). The wetland is sensitive to human activities, related to the water management and unsustainable use of the former plateau as agricultural land. For the purposes of this study, data from Sentinel-2 satellite of the European Space Agency were used. The monitoring was carried out during the study period 2017 – 2022. An index-based classification was used in the study, utilizing NDVI, NDWI and MSAVI2 indices for classifying the contents within the wetland's boundaries. NDGI model was applied as well, evaluating the vegetation dynamics in the marsh. The obtained results showed successful mapping and monitoring of wetlands. The wetlands are of high importance and should be protected and conserved to maintain the benefits they provide to the environment and society. The data and results of this research will be able to serve Destination Earth (DestinE), which is an ambitious initiative of the European Union to create a digital model of the Earth that will be used for monitoring the effects of natural and human activities on our planet, prediction of extreme events and adapting policies to the climate challenges. The data and models will serve the Bulgarian initiative for the construction of the Digital Twins, which is being pilot developed in the department of Aerospace Information, Space Research and Technology Institute – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Open Data were used in this study, with the aim of promoting the Open science policy and FAIR principles as much as possible.
Alepu marsh is a protected area in the category of natural landmarks, part of the Ropotamo Ramsar site and sand dunes Alepu. It is situated on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, within Burgas Province, south of the resort town of Sozopol. It is also situated within the territory of the protected area of the European ecological network Natura 2000 under the Birds directive – Ropotamo Compex. Alepu marsh is covered with reeds and other swamp vegetation. The area is habitat for many rare animals and plant species. The main problem of this area is the overgrowing with reeds and the gradual swamping that leads to reduction of the open water areas in the protected area. This leads to the loss of valuable habitats, and respectively their inhabiting animal and plant species. In the study paper assessment of the dynamics of the marsh for a period of eight years (2013 – 2020) was done. Data from Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 were used. Classification of NDVI was made for this study period. Sentinel 2 data were also used to apply an orthogonal transformation model that classifies and analyzes the processes associated with the dynamics of change affecting the main components of the earth's surface: soil, water and vegetation. The NDGI model was also used, which evaluates the dynamics of the vegetation in the marsh. The results obtained show a monitoring of the wetland for a sufficiently long period of time, which gives an idea of its condition and the need to take the necessary conservation measures for its protection.
The main purpose of this research is interoperability of data from different sources and creation of innovative models with high value data such as satellite information and Earth data and solutions for public administrations, business and citizens. Building base data to inform and train stakeholders and promote the adoption of good practices and innovations in environmental monitoring is also a leading goal. An assessment was made of several surface water bodies that have acquired personal types of permits for use and construction. The methodology contains a model of Open data processing steps, which are published in the Open Data Portal of the State Agency "E-Government" in Bulgaria, satellite data from Sentunel-1 and Sentune-2 and terrestrial data from many different monitoring devices. Different formats are integrated, and for this aim there must be transdisciplinary knowledge and a complex approach. Composite images of optical and SAR data, TCT and terrestrial data from Еnvironmental assessments and data from Basin Directorates in Bulgaria are combined. The model is further verified by the spectral characteristics of the objects, transformed images into dD (decibels) and statistical data. The interoperability of the data in this model will be a tool for restoring cooperation, coordination and communication between central and local administration, supply of services from the public sector, academia, business, NGOs and IT companies, development of solutions or information processing, in case of geospatial information and Environmental monitoring.
The present study is a continuation of the previous monitoring studies on floating reed islands based on remote sensing methods, but this time the study is much more precise in order to create a sustainable operating model for subsequent monitoring studies on this specific type of habitats. The aim of this study is to create a precise model for the movement and dynamic of the floating reed islands in Srebarna Lake. This was done by creating a hybrid model (based on optical and SAR data), assessing the actually condition of floating reed islands, and applying it to quantify of the movement of floating reed islands to perform an actual and seasonal habitats monitoring. To create the hybrid model, the advantages of SAR data – Sentinel-1 for the hydrological dynamics monitoring of Srebarna Lake were used. The SAR data used were obtained for different time periods, within the observed seasons. Multispectral satellite data from Sentinel-2 was also used in order to apply an orthogonal transformation model called Tasselled Cap Transformation (TCT). The Tasselled Cap model is a very effective method for classifying and analyzing processes related to the dynamics of changes affecting the main components of the Earth's surface: soil, water, and vegetation. This model proved to be very effective in recognizing specific types of vegetation and habitats, such as floating reed islands and their transformation over a period of time. The results for the reconciliation of TCT images and SAR data define very well the precise boundaries of both the central water body in Srebarna Lake, and the floating reed islands. The results obtained by means of comparative analysis confirm both methods as being equally effective to determine the floating reed islands dynamics in the hybrid model proposed in this study.
The aim of this study is to monitor the post-fire recovery of forest ecosystems on the basis of remote aerospace methods and data. To achieve this goal, a hybrid model for styding the dynamics of recovery processes of forest ecosystems after fire was developed. Based on the Greenness Tasseled cap component, Normalized Differential Greenness Index (NDGI) was obtained and used as input data in combination with vegetation indices (NDVI, MCARI2). NDGI is an index for vegetation dynamic assessment based on orthogonal transformation of satellite images from Sentinel-2. NDGI shows the vegetation dynamic change depending on temporal periods. The values of this index range from +1 to -1. Using NDGI assessment can be made of negative and positive changes of the vegetation. This study uses a new approach for forest ecosystems assessment, based on this index using the Greenness component obtained from orthogonalization of satellite images in combination with generated vegetation indices (NDVI and MCARI2). Optimization of model performance and automatization of Sentinel-2 MSI data processing were conducted. Sentinel-2 MSI model for orthogonalization of multispectral data was used for Tasseled cap transformation. Results obtained by implementation of the proposed approach show that the integrated composite images of NDGI, NDVI and MCARI2 represent the condition of forest ecosystems.
In this paper, Haar's generalized wavelet functions are applied to the problem of ecological monitoring by the method of remote sensing of the Earth. We study generalized Haar wavelet series and suggest the use of Tikhonov's regularization method for investigating them for correctness. In the solution of this problem, an important role is played by classes of functions that were introduced and described in detail by I.M. Sobol for studying multidimensional quadrature formulas and it contains functions with rapidly convergent series of wavelet Haar. A theorem on the stability and uniform convergence of the regularized summation function of the generalized wavelet-Haar series of a function from this class with approximate coefficients is proved. The article also examines the problem of using orthogonal transformations in Earth remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring. Remote sensing of the Earth allows to receive from spacecrafts information of medium, high spatial resolution and to conduct hyperspectral measurements. Spacecrafts have tens or hundreds of spectral channels. To process the images, the device of discrete orthogonal transforms, and namely, wavelet transforms, was used. The aim of the work is to apply the regularization method in one of the problems associated with remote sensing of the Earth and subsequently to process the satellite images through discrete orthogonal transformations, in particular, generalized Haar wavelet transforms. General methods of research. In this paper, Tikhonov's regularization method, the elements of mathematical analysis, the theory of discrete orthogonal transformations, and methods for decoding of satellite images are used. Scientific novelty. The task of processing of archival satellite snapshots (images), in particular, signal filtering, was investigated from the point of view of an incorrectly posed problem. The regularization parameters for discrete orthogonal transformations were determined.
The paper proposes a method for fuzzy interactive enhancement of objects identification in the image which allows identifying hidden or no defined details and objects in the images. The application of the method and its difference from other image enhancement techniques are shown. The paper presents the algorithm and describes the basic processing procedures (sampling, scaling, convolution, contrast). The main processing parameters (increasing and reduction of dimensions, convolutions, brightness, and thresholds contrast) are demonstrated. The results from the applied algorithm are explained on an example related to landfill Kutchino in the Moscow region, on the satellite images with low and high spatial resolution.
The aim of this study is assessing the impacts and monitoring the condition and recovery processes of forest ecosystems
after fire based on remote aerospace methods and data. To achieve this goal, satellite imagery in microwave and optical
range of the spectrum were used. A hybrid model for assessing the instantaneous condition of forest ecosystems after fire
that uses parallel data from optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) was developed. Based on the three Tasseled Cap
components (Brightness-BR, Greenness-GR and Wetness-W), a vector describing the current condition of the forest
ecosystems was obtained and used as input data from the optical range. Results obtained by implementation of the
proposed approach show that the integrated composite images of VIC and SAR represent the degree of recovery.
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