[IP3-1-2-2] Normalized Difference Snow index (NDSI)

This spectral index is calculate using the following formula NDSI = (green-SWIR)/(green+SWIR). It is the most popular index used to identify snow cover due to the fact that snow reflects visible wavelength stronger than middle-infrared wavelengths.

External resources

• Hall, D.K., Riggs, G.A., & Salomonson, V.V. (1995). Development of methods for mapping global snow cover using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 54, 127-140

Learning outcomes

• 1127 - Explain how the NDSI relates to snow properties

  Explain how the NDSI relates to snow properties

Self assessment

Outgoing relations

• [IP3-1-2-2] Normalized Difference Snow index (NDSI) subclassof [IP3-1-2] Spectral indices