Latest NewsLANDFIRE (LF) scientists are prototyping an image-based annual update that relies on using recent Landsat imagery to model lifeform, Existing Vegetation Cover (EVC), and Existing Vegetation Height (EVH).
Historically, LF has used complex rulesets to update vegetation and fuels. With the advent of high-performance computing for image compositing, and the availability of up-to-date training data for models, it has become possible to rapidly apply models to recent satellite imagery. These methods are similar to the LF National and LF 2016 Remap base maps. LF is working towards using an image-based update approach, rather than rulesets to update EVC, EVH, Forest Canopy Cover (CC), and Forest Canopy Height (CH). This approach could apply to both disturbed and non-disturbed pixels. Planning is ongoing for when the image-based annual update will be implemented.
Last updated: January 2023
