Extensive research in Australia and California has shown that high levels of variability in vine vigor growth can exist within individual vineyard blocks. This variability can be caused by a number of factors including subtle elevation changes, soil characteristics, and micro-climate effects. Vine vigor can be accurately assessed by converting the visible and infrared data to NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). NDVI maps are excellent for providing growers with a record of vine vigor within individual blocks. This information has proven to greatly improve the efficiency of vineyard management in the following ways:

• Identifying patterns of frequent or recurring problem areas that are not fully evident from the ground

• Identifying areas of within-block variability that can be used to selectively harvest grapes

• More efficient targeting of sampling and scouting efforts

• Provide vineyard managers with a record of how their management styles are impacting vigor and yield
  

In the NDVI image of a Niagara Ontario vineyard shown below, diagonal regions of high (green) and low (red) vegetation vigor are evident within the blocks (outlined in black). In the dry summer of 2007, these vigor zones proved to be correlated with soil moisture and vine water potential variation.