Vegetation Index Calculator
Calculate normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)
About this calculator
The Vegetation Index Calculator computes the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a key remote sensing metric that measures vegetation health and density. NDVI uses near-infrared and red light reflectance values from satellite or aerial imagery to assess plant vigor, biomass, and photosynthetic activity. This tool is essential for agricultural monitoring, environmental research, forest management, and crop yield prediction, providing valuable insights into vegetation conditions across different landscapes and time periods.
How to use
Enter the near-infrared (NIR) reflectance value and red reflectance value from your satellite imagery or remote sensing data. The calculator will automatically compute the NDVI using the formula (NIR - Red) / (NIR + Red). Results range from -1 to +1, where higher positive values indicate healthier, denser vegetation.
Frequently asked questions
What do NDVI values mean?
NDVI values range from -1 to +1. Values above 0.3 indicate healthy vegetation, 0.1-0.3 show sparse vegetation, and negative values typically represent water or bare soil.
What reflectance values should I use?
Use near-infrared (NIR) and red band reflectance values from satellite imagery like Landsat, Sentinel, or MODIS. Values should be between 0 and 1 or 0-100%.
When is NDVI most accurate?
NDVI works best during growing seasons with clear atmospheric conditions. Avoid calculations during winter, drought periods, or when clouds affect the imagery quality.