Assessment of the SASI Spectral Shape Index Time Series for Mapping Rice Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region

There is a growing need to map rice ecosystems and develop methods for monitoring distribution in order account rapid land use changes worldwide. In this study, we evaluated methodology based on Vegetation Indices time series derived from an 8-day MODIS composite identify fields maps that can be timely updated the long term. We have assessed potential of Spectral Shape Index compared its performance with Normalized Difference two coastal locations inland location Mediterranean Region 2012. A profile similarity comparison method, Angle Mapper, was accomplished between reference annual profiles both indices pixel basis determine pixels. The resultant were validated masks, where available, or ortophotos crop surface statistics not. results obtained demonstrated provide accurate when applied together spectral matching techniques. overall accuracy 92.8%, 98.1% 90.1% 92.4%, 77.24% 82.8% each location. excellent three highlighted importance exploring angular improve identification cover dynamics.