Estimating local sugarcane evapotranspiration using landsat TM image and a VITT concept

Abstract

This Letter presents an approach for local evapotranspiration (ET) estimation using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data for sugarcane fields based on the concept of a vegetation Index/Temperature Trapezoid (VITT). A moisture availability index (Ma) and, subsequently, the ET rate were computed using surface temperature (Ts) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the TM data. The remote sensing estimates were compared with results from a water balance model. This study shows that Landsat TM data, along with the VITT concept, can provide a practical means for the ET estimation of the sugarcane field at a local scale. © 1997 Taylor & Francis Ltd.