Drought and remote sensing: An overview

Abstract

An overview of the relationships between drought and remote sensing is considered herein. At first, drought concepts, types, and features are presented. This is followed by a description of the existing and new remote-sensing capabilities in drought analysis. The suitability of existing drought indices to use remotely sensed data and techniques is critically reviewed, followed by an examination of the strategies for using remotely sensed information in drought analysis. As it emerges from the review, there is a significant and steadily increasing reliability of remote-sensing data and methods for drought analysis throughout the years. Then, drought quantification and assessment are considered, including composite drought indices and description of representative remotely sensed drought indices, namely the Reconnaissance Drought Index and the Vegetation Health Index. The analysis of the results shows that remote sensing seems promising for use in drought quantification and assessment. Last but not least, the potential of remote sensing is explored in drought monitoring through drought early warning systems (DEWS) by using the above-mentioned indices. Finally, drought risk management (drought impacts and mitigation) is briefly presented. © 2018 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.