Observing the structural and spectral effects of fire on vegetation using remote sensing

Space and airborne sensors have been used to map burn severity, and to characterise post-fire ecological effects. Researchers working in different regions and ecosystems types have developed a variety of applications for satellite and airborne remote sensing data to monitor the post-fire environment. These studies have focused on assessing characteristics of the site immediately after the occurrence of a fire (for example, measure of fire severity) as well as monitoring how a site recovers from the effects of a fire (for example, burn severity). The paper provides a comprehensive review of current remote sensing methods used to assess post-fire ecological responses. Potential and limitations of a variety of approaches for remotely measuring post-fire ecological effects, challenges and future directions are also discussed.