Telepix Releases Satellite Analysis Images
The analysis of the wildfire damage that occurred on the 21st has been released through satellite imagery.
Satellite total solution company Telepix disclosed the results of its analysis on March 25, which used the Cheollian marine observation satellite (GOCI-II), the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellite, and the Cheollian environmental satellite (GEMS) to examine wildfire damage across the country from March 21 to 23.
According to the wildfire occurrence information released by the Korea Forest Service, a total of 48 wildfires broke out nationwide during this period, with Sancheong County, Uiseong County, and Ulju County particularly hard hit.
Telepix’s analysis using the Cheollian marine observation satellite revealed scenes of dense smoke rising from three areas over the Korean Peninsula during this period. The extent of the wildfire damage was confirmed through the Sentinel-2 satellite. As of 11:15 AM on March 22, the wildfire damage area in Sancheong County was estimated to be about 5.48 km². As of 6 PM on March 24, Uiseong County had an area of approximately 108.47 km² affected, and Ulju County had about 4.56 km² impacted.
The analysis of the ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI) through the GEMS satellite showed a sharp increase in the index in wildfire areas, which appeared red. This indicates the large-scale release of absorbing aerosols, such as smoke or ash, into the atmosphere.
Telepix’s Research Institute for a Sustainable Earth (RISE) underlined that humidity levels in the Yeongnam region, where the wildfires occurred, were generally lower compared to last year. According to AWS (Automatic Weather Station) data, Uiseong County was particularly dry at a humidity level of 23%. Considering the humidity level of the western coastal area at the same time was between 50-60%, the difference is significant. A comparison of the soil moisture index in the Angye-myeon area of Uiseong County showed that it was drier than the same period last year.
Telepix video science research team leader Kim Ji-hee, who led the analysis, stated, “Agencies have identified dry conditions, lower than average snowfall, and strong gusts as contributing factors to the concurrent wildfires. Telepix is also internally tracking the environmental changes to correlate them with past climate conditions,” adding, “Satellite data are crucial for comprehensively assessing air quality, weather conditions, and the scale of damage, and can greatly aid in determining the causes of wildfires in each area. Moreover, they can later be used as a basis for compensation and insurance assessments.”