Reference Data Accuracy Impacts Burned Area Product Validation: The Role of the Expert Analyst

Accurate reference data to validate burned area (BA) products are crucial obtaining reliable accuracy metrics for such products. However, the of can be affected by numerous factors; hence, we expect some degree deviation with respect real ground conditions. Since usually produced semi-automatic methods, where human-based image interpretation is an important part process, in this study, analyze impact interpreter on data. Here, compare FireCCI51 BA product obtained from datasets that were different analysts over 60 sites located tropical regions South America. Additionally, fire severity, tree cover percentage, and canopy height selected as explanatory sources discrepancies between interpreters’ classifications. We found significant differences datasets. The highest accuracies (highest Dice coefficient) dataset most experienced interpreter. results indicated severity main source discrepancy interpreters. Disagreement interpreters was more likely occur areas low severity. conclude training experience play a role guaranteeing quality