Kentucky State University
Analysis of Normalized Density Vegetation Index and Land Use in Eastern Kentucky
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Computer Science
Minor
Comupter Information Systems
Institution 23-24
Kentucky State University
KY House District #
57
KY Senate District #
20
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Buddhi Gyawali, Ph.D.
Department
Department of Agriculture
Abstract
As our climate continues to change, it is important to monitor environmental conditions. Normalized Vegetation Indices can assist in assessing and estimating forest ecosystem health. In Eastern Kentucky, forests are fragmented or in a state of distress due to surface mining operations. The purpose of this study is to determine if low Normalized Density Vegetation Index (NDVI) values correspond to reclaimed surface mines. This project is set in Eastern Kentucky in the Tug, Lower Levisa, and Upper Levisa watersheds. ESRI’s Arc GIS Pro software was used to analyze and manipulate multispectral imagery and create and analyze NDVI values. NDVI values were reclassified into three classes based on vegetation vigor. NDVI class percentages were computed and examined. The results show strong correlation between NDVI values and surface coal mining in Eastern Kentucky.
Analysis of Normalized Density Vegetation Index and Land Use in Eastern Kentucky
As our climate continues to change, it is important to monitor environmental conditions. Normalized Vegetation Indices can assist in assessing and estimating forest ecosystem health. In Eastern Kentucky, forests are fragmented or in a state of distress due to surface mining operations. The purpose of this study is to determine if low Normalized Density Vegetation Index (NDVI) values correspond to reclaimed surface mines. This project is set in Eastern Kentucky in the Tug, Lower Levisa, and Upper Levisa watersheds. ESRI’s Arc GIS Pro software was used to analyze and manipulate multispectral imagery and create and analyze NDVI values. NDVI values were reclassified into three classes based on vegetation vigor. NDVI class percentages were computed and examined. The results show strong correlation between NDVI values and surface coal mining in Eastern Kentucky.