Image processing techniques for training photo interpreters in the visual assessment of wetlands, and marks and scars from slash-and-burn agriculture and wildfires

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, which are subjected to strong human pressure (burning) and natural processes such as fires. The Pantanal Sul-mato-grossense is an example. Large-scale monitoring of wetlands is of great importance, but also challenging. A collection of images from the Sentinel-2 satellite was used to characterize and monitor the Pantanal Sul-mato-grossense. The objective was to evaluate enhancement and spectral banding techniques for the identification of patterns on the surface of wetlands and burns and fires on the edge of the Pantanal Sul-mato-grossense. The research selected two sample areas submitted to the spatial enhancement process using the pixel resampling technique. The composition SWIR2M(12)NIR(8)BLUE(2) is recommended as the most suitable for visual interpretation of damp areas and scars and spots from burns or fires. Visual interpretation is an agile resource for a first approach to the evaluation and decision-making process in terms of spatial and temporal monitoring actions in wet areas.