Method for Land Cover Assessment in High Andean Regions using Thermal Imagery

Abstract

Thermal images are being used more frequently in the monitoring and evaluation of thermal behavior in many areas. This study focuses on presenting a method to evaluate the thermal behavior in natural crops that are located more than 3000 meters above sea level. These natural plants are a natural representation of the vegetation that covers the Andes of South America. As they are not cultivated, nor are they under the care of people, and they grow naturally, this feature is an interesting way to evaluate their thermal behavior and the different changes that these can produce. The method consists of being able to make a record of the plants with a thermal camera, with the intention of being able to analyze the temperature that it presents in a certain time and in a specific part of the plant, which is considered as the first results of the method and can be used to evaluate a proof of concept. The results indicate the future uses that can be given to the thermal records of the plants, which can be used in conjunction with space platforms as well as unmanned units.