The Best Index Slope Extraction (BISE) is proposed as an alternative to the Maximum Value Composite (MVC) as a way of reducing noise in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data. The BISE method retains more valuable elements of an NDVI profile than the MVC. NDVI profiles prepared using the BISE method show strong differences in the development characteristics of various West African vegetation types.