ON THE POSSIBILITY OF IDENTIFYING PEATLAND FEATURES USING REMOTE SENSING DATA

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Considering the useful properties of peat as an alternative fuel source, a study of the properties of the vegetation and water indices of the red edge, as well as water indices calculated on the basis of spectrometry of ground vegetation cover over peatlands, was conducted. The study was carried out in the Shatsk National Natural Park and at the Bortnychi Aeration Station near the Dnieper River. Experiments in Shatsk National Park were conducted in 2010 using the ASD Field Spec 3FR spectroradiometer with the application of Sentinel-2 satellite images acquired in 2019 and 2021. The vegetation consisted mainly of sedge (Cares riparia), with confirmation of the presence of peat in this area. The experiments were also conducted at the Bortnychi Aeration Station on the left bank of the Dnieper. The vegetation indices such as REP, TCI, and NDVI705 were studied to classify the land cover using the satellite images data. In addition, other vegetation indices were used, such as NDVI, EVI, SIPI, as well as indices indicating moisture and plant photosynthesis. The NDVI and EVI indices provided valuable results for the identification of peatlands. Modified chlorophyll index CLm is calculated for the red edge of the spectrum, similarly to NDVI and EVI. The average value of the REP for the test points in both areas was similar and indicates the possible presence of peatland. The data analysis also confirmed the identity of peatland features in both areas. The high correlation of indices between these territories confirms this identity. Thus, vegetation indices can be used to determine the boundaries of peatlands and identify Carex riparia, which is one of the indicators of peatlands.