Application of the Standardized Vegetation Index (SVI) and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for drought management in Peru

Abstract

Background. The SVI (Standardized Vegetation Index) provides a relative comparison of the condition of the vegetation in different classifications for monitoring droughts. Objective. In this research, the SVI was used through the Google Earth Engine (GEE) at the national level and in three study points for a coastal, Amazonian, and Andean region for October 31, 2020, and two decades. Methodology. For the construction of the SVI, the data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Version 6 were used; of the Terra sensor (MOD13Q1) with a temporal resolution of 16 days, a spatial resolution of 250 meters, and as a level 3 product. Results. The SVI was represented in five classifications: with green color ≥ 0 (No Drought), yellow color -0.10 to -0.94 (Slight drought), light orange color -0.95 to -1.44 (Moderate drought), dark orange color -1.45 to -1.94 (Severe drought), and red color ≤ -1.95 (Extreme drought). Implications. The change in historical SVI values was evidenced due to causes such as El Niño costero (coastal) and deforestation of Tropical Forests; for the Sechura Desert in Piura and La Pampa in Madre de Dios, respectively. Subsequently, in the Andes of Peru, in Ollachea, Puno, it was determined that the SVI value, more extreme negative, represented an extreme drought never registered for this area. Conclusion. The SVI and GEE provided tools for drought management with high spatial and temporal resolution.