The evaluation of satellite imagery over time can be used to identify trends and changes in an area. This type of time series analysis can be used to assess forest disturbance, land cover changes, vegetation health, and agricultural monitoring and expansion. NASA Earth observations can provide long-term records from Landsat and frequent imagery from sensors including MODIS. This training will focus on two tools, AppEEARS from the LPDAAC, and LandTrendr via Google Earth Engine (GEE). AppEEARS enables users to integrate point or polygon ground-based data with satellite imagery. The GEE implementation of LandTrendr enables users to analyze land cover dynamics, including short-term disturbances and long-term trends. Both sessions will feature a lecture followed by time for hands-on exercises and questions.

Objective

By the end of this training, attendees will:

• Become familiar with time series analysis techniques
• Understand how to evaluate time series of MODIS & Landsat data
• Learn how to integrate point data with satellite imagery using the AppEEARS web-based interface
• Learn the basics of the GEE implementation of LandTrendr including:
  • Generating annual land surface reflectance images
  • Plotting a time series of land surface reflectance
  • Creating a map of change detection, magnitude of change, duration of change event, and pre-change spectral values

Live sessions took place on 15-17 April 2019, but recordings are available.

Materials are available in English and Spanish.