Google Earth Engine Tutorial: Map Global Forest Fires with MODIS

To map global forest fires using MODIS data in Google Earth Engine (GEE), follow this step-by-step tutorial. This guide will help you visualize fire detections by accessing MODIS datasets, filtering for specific regions, and rendering the results on a map.

Step 1: Access MODIS Fire Dataset

First, initialize GEE and load the MODIS Fire dataset. The dataset MODIS/006/MCD14ML provides fire detection information. Use the following code snippet:

// Initialize Earth Engine
ee.Authenticate();
var dataset = ee.ImageCollection("MODIS/006/MCD14ML");

Step 2: Filter by Date and Region

Filter the dataset to a specific date range and geographic region. For example, to focus on Brazil in 2020:

// Define region (e.g., Brazil)
var brazil = ee.FeatureCollection("FAO/GAUL/2015/level1").filter(ee.Filter.eq('ADM0_NAME', 'Brazil'));

// Filter by date (e.g., 2020)
var filtered = dataset.filterDate('2020-01-01', '2020-12-31')
                       .filter(ee.Filter.eq('ACQ_DATE', '2020'));

Step 3: Extract Fire Information

Extract the fire mask and brightness temperature. The fire_mask band identifies fire locations, while brightness provides intensity data:

// Select fire mask and brightness
var fireMask = filtered.select(['fire_mask']);
var brightness = filtered.select(['brightness']);

Step 4: Visualize Fire Detections

Add the fire mask to the map with a custom color palette. Brightness can be used to adjust marker size:

// Define a color palette for fire mask (1 = fire, 0 = no fire)
var palette = ['000000', 'FF0000'];

// Add fire mask to the map
Map.addLayer(fireMask, {palette: palette}, 'Fire Detections');

// Add brightness as a layer
Map.addLayer(brightness, {min: 300, max: 400, palette: ['yellow', 'red']}, 'Fire Intensity');

Step 5: Combine with Geospatial Data

Overlay fire points on a base map. Use the ui.Map module or highlight the region for focus:

// Zoom to Brazil
Map.setCenter(-55.8417, -14.2350, 4);

// Display the fire mask in a custom map layout
var visParams = {min: 1, max: 1, palette: ['red']};
Map.addLayer(filtered, visParams, 'Fire Points');

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