Background to the MODIS Weekly Maximum-NDVI Composites for Canada South of 60°N

Canada’s agriculturally important lands include lands that are currently used for agricultural purposes (e.g. croplands, rangeland, pastures) as well as those that show potential for future agricultural development (e.g. natural grasslands). However, because these lands generally cover large geographical extents, their assessment by conventional ground survey techniques are often time-consuming and costly (Asrar et al. 1986; Bakhtiari and Zoughi 1991; Tucker 1980; Weiser et al. 1986). Thus, other monitoring approaches must be utilized. One possible approach is the use of satellite remote sensing systems.