Remote sensing of ash tree health associated with the emerald ash borer via analyses of fluctuations in land-based and satellite-based data indices

The beetle, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, was introduced to Michigan in 2002 and has since spread to many other states. In recent years, it has been reported in parts of New York. The fluctuations in satellite data signal associated with indices describing ash tree health, such as leaf area index (LAI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NVDI) as reported by the MODIS, have been studied. The fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) data was also studied. MODIS hyperspectral data, as calibrated to winged aircraft hyperspectral data, was used for ash tree characterization.