Classification of airborne multispectral scanner data for mapping current defoliation caused by the spruce budworm

Abstract

Airborne multispectral scanner data were acquired over a mixed fir and spruce forest affected by both current defoliation (red discoloration) and cumulative defoliation (loss of needles) caused by feeding Choristoneura fumiferana. Classifications were conducted using the best combinations of 2 through 9 spectral bands or features derived from the bands. Three levels of current defoliation could be classified (heavy, light, and healthy). Cumulative defoliation and mixed-wood areas caused confusions in the classifications. -from Authors