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Posted on February 12, 2023 (Updated on July 10, 2025)

NDVI calculation

Hiking & Activities

How To Calculate NDVI? NDVI is calculated with the following expression: NDVI = (NIR-Red) / (NIR+Red), where NIR is near-infrared light and Red is visible red light. There’s a great number of free online GIS tools that allow you to instantly calculate NDVI. 

How is NDVI calculated?

(NIR – R) / (NIR + R)



In Landsat 4-7, NDVI = (Band 4 – Band 3) / (Band 4 + Band 3). In Landsat 8-9, NDVI = (Band 5 – Band 4) / (Band 5 + Band 4). NDVI is delivered as a single band product, specified as shown in the table below.

What is NDVI method?

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which is derived from remote-sensing (satellite) data, is closely linked to drought conditions. To determine the density of green on a patch of land, the distinct colors (wavelengths) of visible and near-infrared sunlight reflected by the plants are observed.

What is NDVI and How Is It Measured?

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)



To determine the density of green on a patch of land, researchers must observe the distinct colors (wavelengths) of visible and near-infrared sunlight reflected by the plants. As can be seen through a prism, many different wavelengths make up the spectrum of sunlight.
 

How to analyze NDVI data?

Using the NDVI button on the Image Analysis window

  1. Click the Options button. on the Image Analysis window.
  2. Click the NDVI tab.
  3. Change the inputs for the Red Band and Infrared Band. By default, the Red Band is 3 and the Infrared Band is 4.
  4. Optionally, check Use Wavelength.
  5. Optionally, check Scientific Output.
  6. Click OK.


How to create NDVI?

Now, let’s go through the steps for how to create an NDVI map.

  1. Enable Image Analysis Toolbar. First, enable the Image Analysis Toolbar (Windows > Image Analysis).
  2. Check Scientific Output Properties. Second, under image analysis options, select the red band and the near-infrared band.
  3. Click the NDVI Icon.
  4. Export Raster.

 

How to interpret NDVI images?

In general, NDVI values range from -1.0 to 1.0, with negative values indicating clouds and water, positive values near zero indicating bare soil, and higher positive values of NDVI ranging from sparse vegetation (0.1 – 0.5) to dense green vegetation (0.6 and above).

What is a good NDVI value?

High NDVI values (approximately 0.6 to 0.9) correspond to dense vegetation such as that found in temperate and tropical forests or crops at their peak growth stage.
 

What ratio is used in the NDVI?

NDVI is functionally and linearly equivalent to the ratio NIR / (NIR+VIS), which ranges from 0 to 1 and is thus never negative nor limitless in range.

What is NDVI used for in GIS?

QGIS Remote Sensing – Calculate NDVI

How do you calculate NDVI and NDWI?

NDVI = (NIR – Red) / (NIR + Red)



Higher the value of NDVI reflects high Near Infrared (NIR), means dense greenery. Generally, we obtain following result: NDVI = -1 to 0 represent Water bodies. NDVI = -0.1 to 0.1 represent Barren rocks, sand, or snow.
 

How does Google Earth Engine calculate NDVI?

Create a function that adds an NDVI band to a Sentinel-2 image. NDVI is calculated as the normalized difference between the near-infrared band and the red band, which correspond to the 8th and 4th band in the Sentinel-2 imagery.

What ratio is used in the NDVI?

NDVI is functionally and linearly equivalent to the ratio NIR / (NIR+VIS), which ranges from 0 to 1 and is thus never negative nor limitless in range.

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