Satellite Images of Portuguese Forest Fires in 2004

Earth observation satellites make possible rapid mapping of large regions of the earth's surface and can be a valuable help for the disaster management. Data can be used from both passive instruments, which collect information in the visible and infrared spectral range, and from radar instruments, which actively send signals which can "see" through smoke.

In cooperation with European Space Imaging (EUSI), a supplier of high quality, high-resolution, global IKONOS satellite imagery, DFD conducted a fast mapping excercise to show the extent and damage of forest fires in the Algarve Region. DFD uses its own receiving equipment for the purpose and processes the raw data for use in the field.

		Forest fire damage assessment in Monchique (Southern Portugal) with IKONOS satellite imagery on July 28, 2004 July 28, 2004 The map shows orchards, forests and agricultural used areas. The local road and path network as well as settlements and houses are clearly visible. Burned areas can be distinguished in the satellite image. Using geometrically high resolution IKONOS images the demarcation of the former fire front can be deduced in detail. On this account, these datasets can be used for the localisation of damaged infrastructure. click here to download the map (4.3 MB full resolution) click here to download the map (1.0 MB medium resolution)
		Hotspot mapping in southern Portugal/soutern Spain using AQUA-MODIS, July 29, 2004 (13:54 UTC) July 29, 2004 During the last days severe forest fires have been affecting Spain and Portugal. The hot spots resulting from these fires can be identified by the medium resolution MODIS sensors. It is possible to derive an overview on number, dimension and movement of the individual fires, including the movement of the smoke plumes. This satellite images are received and processed several times each day at the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen. Large areas of forests have already been burned in the southern parts of the Algarve region and several fires are still not extinguished. Red dots in the images demarcate hot spot areas of recent forest fires. click here to download the MODIS satellite image (550 KB high resolution) click here to download the MODIS satellite image (190 KB medium resolution)

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