What does NDVI stand for and what is its purpose?

NDVI stands for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and it is a widely utilized remote sensing measurement tool that helps assess the presence and health of vegetation in a target area. The NDVI is calculated using spectral reflectance data obtained from satellite images, specifically by comparing the visible red light reflected from vegetation to the near-infrared light it reflects.

Healthy vegetation absorbs most of the visible light for photosynthesis while reflecting a significant portion of near-infrared light. Consequently, NDVI values typically range from -1 to +1, where higher values indicate denser and healthier vegetation. This tool is crucial for various applications such as agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring, as it provides insights into plant health, biomass, and the effects of environmental changes on vegetation.