Using Landsat 8 imagery and R’s terra package, this project investigates Charlotte’s urban and natural environments through remote sensing techniques. False color composites (5-4-3, 7-6-4, 6-7-5) highlight vegetation, water, and built-up areas, while indices like NDVI, NDWI, and UI provide further insights into land cover dynamics. The analysis uncovers contrasts between green spaces and urban infrastructure, as well as variations in water presence across the city. This project not only showcases GIS and remote sensing skills but also provides valuable insights into Charlotte’s evolving landscape.

The March 3, 2025 wildfire in Uwharrie National Forest was analyzed using satellite imagery and R programming to assess burn severity and surface temperature changes. Using indices like NBR and dNBR, the fire's impact was categorized into five severity levels, highlighting areas of extreme vegetation loss. Thermal data revealed unexpected post-fire cooling patterns, emphasizing how remote sensing enhances fire analysis. The project demonstrates the power of geospatial programming in environmental monitoring and provides a framework for future wildfire assessments.