This image depicts the catastrophic flooding in Burma as detected by MODIS May 5, 2008. This product was generated at the University of Maryland Department Of Geography by applying a decision tree classification to MODIS data from both Terra and Aqua platforms. The results from Aqua and Terra were combined and overlain with the MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields product to produce the attached image. Areas in red were inundated at the time of overpass.

By using both instruments researchers were able to mitigate some cloud contamination, though substantial areas were cloudy in both available images. By this estimation 14,402 km^2 were inundated displaying a greater extent of flooding than previous estimates had shown. Being able to visualize the extent of flooding is of particular importance in this situation as reporters still face considerable barriers to access in Burma.

This product was made possible, in part, by funding from NASA (NASA.NNX08AH05A PI John Townshend) and through the use of NASA MODIS satellite data products.