NDVI Vegindex composite
Process:
NDVI is the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index which is derived from reflectance measurements in red and infrared portions of the EM spectrum. NDVI indicates the amount of green biomass from one area or vegetative to another. The NDVI image series (both area and close-up) was created utilizing bands 3 (red) and 4 (near-infrared) from TM imagery obtained from GLOVIS (Figure 3-4). NDVI values range from negative -1.0 which means no vegetation to plus +1.0 which indicates maximum vegetation.
NDVI Analysis:
Boreal forest areas display in darker thick masses along the river system (positive values +.50-.75). A noticable difference in the density of the forest is apparent between the 1984 and 2011 imagery. Lighter green areas are indicitive of Lower Highland and wetland ecosystems prevalent throughtout Alberta. Yellow to dark red (o to negative values) demonstrate a lack of vegetative cover. This is apparent at the mine sites, roadway, river and also to the north in the Athabasca Plains area (see 2011 imagery). Cloud cover also appears yellow and should not be confused with areas lacking vegtation. From the first imagery in 1984 to the final 2011 image an abundance of growth is seen at the original mine site as well as subsequent development to the north and south of the original production area.