Landsat 5 TM images (TM1 to TM5 and TM7 spectral bands) from Altamira PA (Brazil) for 02.07.1991, were transformed into surface reflectance images by the 6S atmospheric correction code in order to characterize spectrally secondary succession stages of vegetation. Biophysical data (ADBH, ABA, TBA, THS and THSTD) collected in the field from 16 sampled vegetation plots were utilized in a correlation study between them and the surface reflectance values extracted from the orbital images. The highest correlation coefficients were found for the TM7 spectral band. Linear regression models were determined for each biophysical parameter considered and thematic images representing the spatial distribution of these parameters were made. The spectral data were not sensitive for detecting lower biophysical parameter values. Nevertheless, the results show that there was a good match between that spatial distribution and the study area landscape, indicating that these thematic images could be utilized in preliminary evaluations of the vegetation's biophysical characteristics.
Spectral characterization; successional stages; vegetation radiometry
