En-masse removal identification on a regional scale through the use of time series of the MODIS-NDVI sensor

Colombia is exposed to extraordinarily energetic events of regional influence, with the ability to set off successive mass movements. In spite of this, there is no continuous and complete source of information about the recurrence and location of this geological phenomenon, which limits the development and conservation of infrastructure, population, and agricultural activities. This study advanced one methodology for the monitoring of earth´s surface using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MOD09Q1 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) products at a temporal interval of 8 days during 2002-2012, which allows the identification of spectral characteristics of vegetation and its changes at different times associated with physiological activity, damages, or loss. The proposed approach could be applied to regular disaster monitoring and assessment, and vegetation recovery after natural disasters. The use of the time series of the MODIS sensor is useful for the identification of landslides, since the modifications on the landscape at a regional scale can be identified by defining a threshold level for the spectral register, which is associated to the occurrence of the event. This allows the generation of regional inventories of mass movements, favoring the analysis of the relationships between processes and incident causes, evolution patterns, as well as recurrence models in a way that can define strategies to safeguard life and property. The previous is achieved through a methodology of great comparative usefulness, taking into account that the research depend on available information, where the creation of new data consumes time and money. These circumstances are not viable for certain regions.