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Assessment of forest degradation in Vietnam using Landsat time series data

September 1, 2017

Landsat time series data were used to characterize forest degradation in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. We conducted three types of image change analyses using Landsat time series data to characterize the land cover changes. Our analyses concentrated on the timeframe of 1973–2014, with much emphasis on the latter part of that range. We conducted a field trip through Lam Dong Province to develop a better understanding of the ground conditions of the region, during which we obtained many photographs of representative forest sites with Global Positioning System locations to assist us in our image interpretations. High-resolution Google Earth imagery and Landsat data of the region were used to validate results. In general, our analyses indicated that many land-use changes have occurred throughout Lam Dong Province, including gradual forest to non-forest transitions. Recent changes are most marked along the relatively narrow interfaces between agricultural and forest areas that occur towards the boundaries of the province. One important observation is that the most highly protected national reserves in the region have not changed much over the entire Landsat timeframe (1972–present). Spectral changes within these regions have not occurred at the same levels as those areas adjacent to the reserves. 

Publication Year 2017
Title Assessment of forest degradation in Vietnam using Landsat time series data
DOI 10.3390/f8070238
Authors James Vogelmann, Phung Van Khoa, Do Xuan Lan, Jacob S. Shermeyer, Hua Shi, Michael C. Wimberly, Hoang Tat Duong, Le Van Huong
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Forests
Index ID 70188428
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center