Analysis of fires inHhonduras from images of the MODIS C6 sensor (2013-2018)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intensity of fires in the Republic of Honduras over a period of 6 years, based on data obtained by satellite images analyzing spatial distribution patterns and trend over time. The procedure consisted of obtaining satellite images from the standard NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) server. The data were downloaded from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor, in point shapefile format, considering the years 2013 to 2018 and later they were carefully processed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create a density surface using the Kernel estimator that calculates magnitude by unit of area. The intensity of the fires was classified into 5 categories: very low, low, medium, high and very high. The greater the intensity, the greater the number of fires in that area. The results showed that in the 6 years of study, 46,415 heat sources were registered, each one representing a fire. The highest number was recorded in 2013. These data were compared with the 6,099 fires reported to the ICF (Institute of Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife). The departments with the highest intensity of fires were Francisco Morazán, Choluteca, Gracias a Dios and Comayagua, while the department of Islas de la Bahía presented the lowest number.