CONNECTICUT GYPSY MOTH CATERPILLAR DEFOLIATION ANALYSIS 2016-2018
Below are the results of analysis conducted by ConnecticutView researchers that examined the extent of Gypsy Moth caterpillar forest defoliation for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018. The analysis is based on the comparison of the difference between Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) images derived from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. The base EVI image was derived from 2015 Landsat 8 imagery. The 2016 EVI image used to compare to the base 2015 EVI image was derived from Landsat 8. The 2017 and 2018 EVI images used to compare with the 2015 EVI were derived from Sentinel-2. Resulting images are 10-meter spatial resolution. Low Impact forest are estimated to have lost less than 25% of leaf cover. Severe Impact forest are estimated to have lost 25% – 50% leaf cover. Extreme Impact forest are estimated to have lost over 50% leaf cover. Maps and image data can be downloaded by clicking the links below.
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2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
PDF Map GeoTIF Image | PDF Map GeoTIF Image | PDF Map GeoTIF Image |
Here is an EXCEL Spreadsheet containing statistics by town of the extent of forest defoliation for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018.
We are working to develop an ESRI Story Map Journal describing the history of Gypsy Moth in the United States and recent forest defoliation impacts in Connecticut.
2016 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECT
2015 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS