Abstract
Weights of Evidence (WofE) spatial analysis was used to predict probability of southern pine beetle (
Dendroctonus frontalis) (SPB) infestation in Angelina, Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Shelby Co., TX. Thematic data derived from Landsat imagery (1974–2002 Landsat 1–7) were used. Data layers included: forest covertype, forest age, forest patch size and percent slope. WofE predicted infestation probabilities were significantly higher at infestation locations, versus random locations (p<0.0001). Significantly more infestations occurred in the higher probability areas (p=0.002). Infestation size was not significantly correlated with probability (p=0.0528). Correlations were found between WofE probability and traditional SPB hazard rating, calculated from forest inventory data, using the Mason (1981) system (p<0.0001). WofE probability maps were used to produce current SPB three and five-class hazard rating maps for the study area. WofE was effective for predicting SPB hazard, utilizing existing, remotely-sensed data sets.
Parent Publication
Citation
Grogan, Jason B.; Kulhavy, David L.; Kroll, James C. 2010. Southern pine beetle infestation probability mapping using weights of evidence analysis. In: Stanturf, John A., ed. 2010. Proceedings of the 14th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–121. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 319-324.