Fluidity of land use patterns over the last century in and around the Baroda Urban Complex,Gujarat state

The fluidity of land-use patterns over the last century in and around the Baroda Urban Complex has been worked out using Survey of India topographic maps (1876–78, 1959–60) and SPOT satellite imagery (1988). The most striking feature of this study was the alarming loss of non-built up areas comprising agricultural land to urban sprawl. In 1876–78, non-built up land constituted 701.30 sq. km out of a total of 714 sq. km whereas in 1988, it was reduced to 625.27 sq. km. This urban growth pattern would not be conducive for sustainable development.     

Opencast Coal Mining Induced Defaced Topography of Raniganj Coalfield in India - Remote Sensing and GIS Based Analysis

With the advent of mining activities at Raniganj coalfield in India, the natural topography has been defaced in some elongated tracts by either excavation or dumping. This paper deals with opencast mining induced defaced topography of Raniganj coalfield, which needs to be reclaimed properly right after mining. This paper investigated intensity of defacing topography, magnitude of topographic deformations through a number of ex-situ measurement. Consequences of these topographic deformations are also investigated in this study. Through a number of ex-situ measurement based on Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques, generating contour and profiling them over the spoil dumps and excavated lows using fine resolution digital elevation data (Remote Sensing image), a total 132 (85 are abandoned and 47 are working) patches of defaced topography have been identified, which covers 43.26 sq km. surface area. Some working opencast quarries are more than 95 m deep, with an area of more than 2.4 sq km and dumped ridges are more than 60 m high (peak), with area more than 1.5 sq km. In case of abandoned mine (more than 20 years) some quarries are more than 28 m deep with area 0.99 sq km. and some of dumped ridges are more than 28 m high (peak), with area 0.29 sq km. These kinds of defaced surface remain for a long time, such quarries contain acidic logged water and spoil dump leads to acid mine drainage and erosion of loose soil particle. It deteriorates the entire land, water system of the region. The study suggests restoring land right after mining and the area made to be ecologically conformable.     

Land System studies for resources evaluation—A demonstration around Sagar,Madhya Pradesh

Land System studies, which integrated landforms with geology, soils, vegetation, hydrology and landuse, should form the basis of evaluation of the resources of a region. Such studies were carried out in a 1400 sq. km, tract around Sagar, M. P., employing the methodology of the C.S.I.R.O., Australia, as a part of a detailed geomorphic survey of the area on modern lines. Two land systems were recognized on the basis of the patterns deciphered on the areial photographs of the area: the Vindhyan Land System and the Daccan Trap Land System. The former occupies 148 sq. km. and 17 land units have been made out in it. The latter occupies 1252 sq. km. and 14 land units have been recognized in it. Choosing representatives «sites» on these land units, quantitative integrated studies were carried out in the field. The data so collected are presented in the paper and it is shown how there could form the basis of an evaluation of the resources of the area.     

Forest change detection in Kalarani round, Vadodara, Gujarat— a Remote Sensing and GIS approach

Studies on spatial distribution of the different forests during 1970 to 1999 using integrated remote sensing and GIS techniques reveals that area under forests in the Kalarani Round, is progressively reducing with the time. In 1970 forest area was found to be 22.75 sq km. in 1989 it was 15.34 sq km and in 1999 it was only 12.93 sq km. Thus. there is considerable loss in the tree cover from 1989 to 1999. Jhanpa and Kalarani R.F. are the example of this. Ground surveys indicate that the majority of the loss is caused by heavy grazing pressure there by decreasing regeneration of vegetation. If suitable measures are not taken. whole area may be converted into wasteland in due course of time. Another reason for the forest loss, could be land encroachments by villagers for their overwhelming needs. Karali R.F. is not much disturbed apart from the plantation raised in the foothills. Outside the reserve forest boundary, the change was observed due to construction of Narmada Sagar canal.     

Assessment of Fragmentation and Disturbance Patterns in Eastern Ghats: A Case Study in R.V. Nagar Range,Visakhapatnam District,Andhra Pradesh,India

At present the biodiversity in Eastern Ghats is threatened by loss of habitats, exploitation and unscientific management of natural resources, forest fire, biological invasion and other anthropogenic pressures. In this context, we have assessed the forest cover changes, fragmentation and disturbance in the R.V. Nagar Range of Eastern Ghats region, Andhra Pradesh using satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques. Satellite data of IRS-1A LISS II of 1988 and IRS-P6 LISS III of 2006 were assessed for forest cover changes in 1 sq.km grid and generated as Sensitivity Index map. Further the road and settlement buffer of 1000 m was generated to represent Threat Index map. From 1988 to 2006, the forest cover had a total cover loss of 35.2 sq.km and increase in scrub cover by 7.2%. Over all change analysis from 1988 to 2006 with reference to forest cover indicates, negative changes (loss of forest area) accounted for 48.1 sq.km area and positive changes (gain of forest) for an area of 12.1 sq.km of area. The results of the change detection using multi-date satellite imagery suggest degradation in forest cover over two decades, which necessitates the conservation measures in this range with high priority.     

Mapping of environs of Dharavi slums of Greater Bombay for site suitability using enhanced Landsat thematic mapper (TM) imagery

Slums are universal and a ubiquitous part of the urban landscape. Dharavi, the biggest slum in the whole of Greater Bombay, encompasses 4.0 sq.km. of reclaimed land with 3.50 lakh inhabitants and 75,000 hutments. Majority of the slums of Indian cities, being structurally small with high density of dwellings and uniform building material, seldom give subtle ’spectral signature’ on the satellite imagery. Here, an attempt has been made to map by visual techniques the land use of Dharavi and environs of 20 sq.km area, using optically enhanced Landsat (TM) FCC of January, 1986, on 1:25,000 sale, The study has clearly brought out the land use details, the areas undergoing reclamation, and those susceptible to hazards like floods and marine erosion. A few alternate sites, based on geomorphic attributes are suggested for resettlement of Dharavislum and their areas are also quantified. The results of the present work is a part of the project study completed for a larger area covering 150sq. kms.     

浅析西部测图工程项目成果归档

西部测图工程面积约200×104 km2,约占我国陆地面积的21%,主要分布在青藏高原、塔里木盆地和横断山脉等地区,行政区划涉及四川、云南、西藏、甘肃、青海、新疆等6省（自治区）。本文详细讲述了如何将庞大的西部测图工程形成的多种测绘成果进行管理归档。     

Soil resource survey of silent valley and its environ using landsat MSS data

This paper presents a case study of the utility of Landsat MSS imagery for soil resoruces mapping in Silent Valley and its environs covering about 33,000 sq. km. area. A collective approach involving monoscopic visual interpretation of Landsat imagery in conjunction with the lithological and topographical information supported by limited field check has been followed to prepare a soil map on 1:250,000 scale showing sub-groups/association of sub-groups. Future prospect of using spaceborne data for soil mapping has also been discussed.     

Role of remote sensing in demarcation of alluvial fan deposits in Tarai-Bhabar belt of Nainital District (U.P.) and the environmental impact assessment

Remotely sensed data has unique advantage aver conventional data collection techniques in the study of geomorphology, as physiographical and geo-structural parameters are mostly discernible on the imagery. In the present study an attempt has been made to identify and evaluate the process of geomorphological evolution and hydrogeological conditions, temporal changes in pattern of geomorphic elements and overall impact on environment in alluvial fan region in Nainital District using multidate satellite data from Landsat (1975, 1986) and IRS (1993), through visual interpretation technique. The landuse changes are quite prominent in alluvial fan of upper and lower zone. As a consequence of deforestation, an area of 16 sq. km. of natural forest cover has been lost over a span of 18 years (1975–1993) leading to the increase in rate of erosion as well as environmental degradation in upstream areas. The study suggests that the ground water utilization in Tarai belt without replenishment of confined aquifers and installation of more tubewells in Bhabar belt may lead to total failure of flowing wells and subsequently disturb the balanced ecosystem.     

Vegetation analysis and study of its dynamics in Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary (Orissa) using aerospace remote sensing

Changes brought in habitat conditions due to increasing human influences on natural areas have posed serious threat to wildlife. Remote Sensing has probably omerged as one of the most viable techniques to assess and monitor habitat conditions. Comparative analysis of maps of two-time period can provide authentic data with respect to changes brought in the habitat conditions. Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 213.71 sq. km in Orissa is one of the natural reserves of elephants which has undergone serious changes brought in through anthropogenic activities of urban areas of Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar lying within the proximity of the sanctuary. The natural reserve, an ideal habitat for elephants, was connected to neighbouring extensive forest belts. These connections have been either degraded or deforested over the years. The present study analyses the types of habitat available in the sanctuary using remote sensing data (aerial and satellite). Vegetation-type maps of 1975 have been prepared from B/W aerial photographs of 1:25,000 scale. For assessing the current vegetation types, maps have been prepared from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (LISS II) false colour composite on 1:50,000 scale. Comparative evaluation of the maps indicates changes in the vegetation pattern, increase in mining and agriculture areas within the sanctuary. Stratified field sampling of vegetation types provide structural characteristics of the vegetation. Bamboo has been found to extend in the valleys and side slopes of the sanctuary area during past 15 years. An analysis on response of vegetation in all major vegetation types mapped have been made in the context of the invasion of Eupatorium odoratum. Finally, bamboo biomass has been assessed through stratified random sampling as it constitutes a major elephant food source.     

Mapping and Assessment of Groundwater Potential in Bilrai Watershed (Shivpuri District, M.P.)—A Geomatics Approach

The main objective of the present work is to delineate the groundwater potential zones in Bilari watershed of district Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Remote Sensing data and GIS were used to delineate the groundwater potential zones of the area. IRS-1D (LISS III) data have been utilized to extract information on various themes such as geomorphology, structure, drainage and land use/land cover. Available lithology and soil maps have also been used. DEM has been generated from contours taken from Survey of India topographical maps in order to obtain the slope percentage and slope aspect of the area. The groundwater potential zones were delineated by weighted overlay analysis. The themes geology, geomorphology, slope and soil were considered and the weightages assigned to different classes of respective themes according to their role in groundwater potential. Finally, five groundwater potential zones viz., very good, good, moderate; poor and very poor were delineated for the study area. It was estimated that about 110.41?sq km area which forms 37.55% of the total area are in the zones of very poor, poor and moderate category and about 183.75?sq km (62.45%) in zones of good and very good category.     

天河区岑村机场周边突破理论控高建筑物普查

依照国家一级机场标准,充分利用规划审批数据及已有的ADS40航测成果,内外业相结合,综合采用GIS空间分析、ADS40立体测高技术、野外数字化测高技术以及二、三维可视化技术,全面地对天河区岑村机场净空控制范围（约123 600 hm2）内的约18万幢建筑物进行高程普查,明确“超高”建筑的数量及空间分布,对于检查机场控高和规划管理工作,指导天河区智慧城控规划编制具有重要意义.     

Role of satellite remote sensing in land system mapping,land resources inventory and land use planning: A sample study of kemang river basin,Arunachal Pradesh

Here an attempt has been made to highlight the importance of satellite remote sensing in land system mapping, land resources inventory and land use planning of a sample river basin (in Arunachal Pradesh) covering an area of 10,186 sq. km. The (Kemang) river basin has been divided intofour land systems viz : structural, denudational, piedmont and fluvial. Each system has been analysed with respect toeight land water-land use (resource) parameters for proper land use and environmental management of the river basin. A tentative‘productivity/development strategy ranking’ is also given for optimum planning of the basin.     

Mapping and monitoring of Rann (tidal) ingress in Banni Plains,Kachchh, Gujarat using multi-temporal satellite data

The Rann ingress into the ‘Banni Plains’ of Kachchh district, Gujarat which is famous for the sprawling grasslands supporting significant cattle population is taking place at an alarming rate. This has resulted in the desertion of many villages due to intrusion of Rann waters. In the present investigation multi-date satellite data has been analysed to map and monitor the Rann ingress during the period 1975 to 1989. Detailed analysis has brought out that the inundation is quite rapid affecting about 244 sq. km area during 1960–1989 period. Mapping of the creeks has also been done to understand the possible mechanism of ‘Rann ingress’.     

Geomorphology and landuse of Pasighat-Jonai bazar area-A photo based study in a part of Dihang river basin,Arunachal pradesh and Assam

Photo-interpretation coupled with systematic field checks over an area of about 1500 sq. km has led to the identification of various landform units and their characteristic landuse pattern in part of the submontaneous tract of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the Dihang river basin. Four major geomorphic units have been mapped and their respective lithounits are studied in detail. Present landuse and the land’s capability inrespect of each of the major geomorphic units have been noted. Suggestions have been made for better utilisation of land.     

Glacier inventory in Himachal Pradesh using satellite images

A total of 125 glaciers covering an area of 1896 sq. km. were mapped on 1:250,000 scale in Himachal Pradesh using satellite images. The areal extent obtained from satellite images was found to be comparable with that from field estimates for eight glaciers for which data are available. This suggests that remote sensing can provide glacial areal extent similar to ground-based methods. Depth of an individual glacier was inferred indirectly by using its relationship with areal extent and geomorphological characteristics, as suggested by Muller (1970). These characteristics were estimated by using satellite images. The analysis suggests that the water equivalent of the glaciers in Himachal Pradesh is about 165 cu km. It is seventeen times more than the storage capacity of the Govind Sagar. This estimate will get revised when other snow/ice features as permanent snow field, ice apron, hanging glaciers and rocky glaciers are mapped. Mapping on larger scale, say 1:50,000, will lead to a further revision as many smaller glaciers and other features will get mapped.     

Use of photo interpretation technique for survey of highway material resources

In advanced countries, the survey of gravel deposits and soil for road construction is being increasingly conducted through aerial photographs as the process is expeditious and economical. However, no Air photo Interpretation technique had been developed to locate hiddenKankar deposits and other low grade aggregates met with in India. In view of this, research was undertaken at the Central Road Research Institute for the establishment of new Air Photo Patterns which enable the location of sources of these construction materials in the country. Since shortage of road aggregates both in the alluvial plains as well as desert areas is very acute andkankar is known to occur under an overburden of 2 to 4 ft. of soil, attempt were made for the formulation of Air Photo Patterns for the identification of such deposite. The investigation covered an area of about 4,500 sq. miles. (12,000 sq. kms.) in U.P. and 5,000 sq miles (13,000 sq kms.) in western Rajasthan and comprised a study of aerial photographs of the area in conjunction with ground survey. As a result of this study, well defined and distinct Air Photo Patterns for the location ofKankar deposits in both the above mentioned regions have been established. The accuracy of interpretation has been experienced to be of the order of about 75 to 80 per cent. Recently Air Photo Patterns for the indentification of hidden gravel deposits have also been confirmed by carrying out interpretation and survey in an area of about 300 sq miles (800 sq kms.) around Chandigarh. Since the country is embarking on big projects of road construction in the Five Year Plans, the utilisation of this technique for rapid survey of highway materials and the timely information about the location of such deposits, will go a long way in economising the cost of road construction. The Paper discusses the techniques of Air Photo Interpretation developed for hidden aggregate deposits and soils which would enable the indentification and location of potential natural resources, for future programme of the road construction.     

Appraisal of zones of potential groundwater based on Photo-Geomorphic Study in Semi-Arid tract of Visakhapatnam District,Andhra Pradesh

Photo-geomorphic and hydrogeological studies over an area of 2020 sq km in the semi-arid tract of Visakhapatnam district, have enabled in identifying five zones of potential groundwater/hydromorphic units. Fluvial plain has the highest hydromorphic potential with a weight point score of 25, and coastal plain has poor to very poor potential with a score of 12. Wash plain, rolling/sandy plain, and piedmont plain have good to moderate to poor potential with scores of 20, 17 and 14 respectively. Geophysical surveys and the drilling of exploratory borewells along fractures/fracture traces and abandoned channels, revealed the existence of deep weathered and fractured zones capable of yielding large quantities of water.     

Mass movement studies in Kosi catchment,mepal — A semi quantitative approach using aerial photographs

An area of about 5000 sq. km. in the upper parts of river basin of Sun Kosi falling in Nepal has been studied using medium and small scale aerial photographs of two different dates. The temporal variations in relation to mass movements that occur in the study area have been demarcated. The areas which have undergone increased erosion by slope failure and gully erosion over a period of 22 years are evaluated. An attempt has been made to quantify the increase in area of mass movement taking the advantage of three dimensional model of terrain as seen in the aerial photos.     

Morphology and land systems of a part of visakhapatnam district,Andhra Pradesh from air photo studies

Landforms in an area of 1667 sq.km in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh along the east coast of India has been mapped with the aid of aerial photographs. Simultaneously the current land use has been noted and the data collected in the field of the nature of surficial deposits, drainage and erosion. An attempt is made to classify the area into land systems designated as (1) hill and hillocks, (2) rolling plains, (3) fluvial plain and (4) coastal zone and give details of their characteristic features. Recommendations are made for better landuse of some of the areas taking into consideration the knowledge of their total potential.