Utility of satellite data for land evaluation in land use planning for a part of Northern Karnataka

The study reported herein deals with the utility of satellite remote sensing techniques for land evaluation for agricultural land use planning. False colour composite of Landsat imagery in the scale of 1:250,000 was visually interpreted for physiography that formed the base for mapping soil and land resources in the field. The small-scale soil map thus prepared has thirteen map units with association of soil families. Soil and land resource units shown on these small-scale maps were evaluated for their suitability for growing sorghum crop by matching the relevant land qualities against the land requirements for sorghum. The land evaluation carried out for growing sorghum crop in the study area revealed that about 38.6 per cent is highly suitable (S1), 31.5 per cent moderately suitable (S2) and 24.5 per cent marginally suitable (S3). An area of about 5.4 per cent is not suitable, of which 3.0 per cent is currently not suitable (N1) and 2.4 per cent permanently not suitable for growing sorghum crop.     

Soil mapping and land use plan in tehri-garhwal district,uttar pradesh,using aerial photo-interpretation technique,highlighting soil-landscape relationship and land utilization

Soil mapping on the scale 1:50,000 was conducted in Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh using Survey of India Topographic maps and utilising aerial photographs of the area which were interpreted for demarcation of physiographic units, vegetation, drainage and other features relevant to soil development. Resulting soil map and soils and land use information have been helpful in presenting an optimum land use and management plan in the area keeping in view of the soils characteristics, terrain features and existing land use, Soils and physiographic interpretation in the area have highlighted significant soil-landscape relationships relevant to land utilization. The other factors responsible for soil formation which could be significant in the area i.e. climate and parent material were also taken into consideration apart from topography. Of all these factors topography was revealed to be the predominant factor governing soil formation in the area. Soil units mapped coincided with the physiographic units demarcated through aerial photo-interpretation. The area of the district could be divided into three climatic zones viz. (i) Cool temperate, (ii) Sub-tropical warm temperate and (iii) tropical following Kaushic (1962). It was noticed that in each climatic zone with the climate being almost uniform within the zone, irrespe tlve of variations in the parent material, soil development was markedly affected by topographly, variations which led to differences in soil characteristics particulary soil texture and amount of coarse fragments. In about 70 percent of the area of the district where slopes are steep to very steep, topography was revealed to be the dominant factor determining characteristic soil development. In the remaining part where slopes are moderate to gentle, parent material is the dominant factor followed by topography.     

Preparation of optimal land use maps for agricultural development using remote sensing techniques

Optimal land use map of Kanholi area, part of Nagpur district,Maharashtra have been prepared using Satellite imagery in 1:1000,000 and 1:250,000 and aerial photographs in 1:60,000 scale with adequate ground checks. The Satellite imagery proved valuable information about landscape characteristics, land use, hydrology and other environmental features. The aerial photographs were used to prepare comparatively large scale land resource association maps in scale 1:60,000 on geomorphology, landuse, soil hydrology. Soil irrigability, land irrigability and land capability maps are also attempted after interpreting soils information collected during field studies. The utility of this technique in preparation of optimal land use map with associated limitations due to scale have been discussed in the paper.     

The assessment of potential land use in the proposed irrigation command using Remote Sensing and GIS

Standard false colour composites (Std. FCC) on 1:50,000 scale was visually interpreted in conjunction with soil survey to prepare physiographic-soil map. Thirteen mapping units were delineated indicating soil association at family-level. Soil and land resource was evaluated for their land capability and irrigation suitability for its sustained use under irrigation. Land capability and land irrigability maps were generated as attribute map. These maps were integrated to suggest potential land use map. Current land use/land cover map prepared by visual analysis was spatially analysed in relation to potential land use to study potential changes in land use / land cover using GIS. The study reveals that 14.66% area has no limitation and can be brought to intensive agriculture by double cropping.     

Integrated approach of using remote sensing and GIS to study watershed prioritization and productivity

Soil data obtained from soil resource inventory, land and climate were derived from the remote sensing satellite data (Landsat TM, bands 1 to 7) and were integrated in GIS environment to obtain the soil erosion loss using USLE model for the watershed area. The priorities of different sub-watershed areas for soil conservation measures were identified. Land productivity index was also used as a measure for land evaluation. Different soil and land attribute maps were generated in GIS, and R,K,LS,C and P factor maps were derived. By integrating these soil erosion map was generated. The mapping units, found not suitable for agriculture production, were delineated and mapped as non-arable land. The area suitable for agricultural production was carved out for imparting the productivity analysis; the land suitable for raising agricultural crops was delineated into different mapping units as productivity ratings good, fair, moderate and poor. The analysis performed using remote sensing and GIS helped to generate the attribute maps with more accuracy and the ability of integrating these in GIS environment provided the ease to get the required kind of analysis. Conventional methods of land evaluation procedures in terms of either soil erosion or productivity are found not comparable with the out put generated by using remote sensing and GIS as the limitations in generating the attribute maps and their integration. The results obtained in this case study show the use of different kinds of data derived from different sources in land evaluation appraisals.     

Landsat photo-interpretation for preparation of small scale soil maps through a multistage approach

Landscape units and their sub-divisions were delineated on two LANDSAT photos by visual interpretation on the basis of uniqueness of patterns comprising tone, texture and drainage. Sub-divisions of basalt and granite landscape units could be delineated more precisely with Band 5 photo, while Band 7 photo was found to be superior in respect of the laterite plateau. The soil composition of most of the units was assigned by using data previously collected for the preparation of small scale soil maps adopting a procedure of systematic aerial photo-interpretation with limited selective ground check and authors’ personal knowledge in respect of the remaining units. The resulting soil map has been shown to be superior to existing small scale soil maps for the study area.     

Study of landforms,land use and land units of a part of Krishna district,Andhra Pradesh,from aerial photographs

Utilising aerial photographs as the chief source of information an attempt has been made to study the land units, land use, land capability and limitations in relation to geomorphology of an area of about 350 sq. kms. in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Besides identifying major individual landforms, the area is divided into four geomorphic environments each characterised by dominant landform pattern and relief. Each form and unit is described. Nine types of land units based on amount of slope and six land use classes were chosen after preliminary interpretation and a reconnaissance field check. The estimated range in slope is given for each land unit. The land’s capability and limitations are brought out from consideration of landforms, land units (slopes), nature of soil and water resources. Soil samples were collected from each geomorphic unit and analysed. The results are presented in the form of 3 maps and 2 tables, which may be of use for planning and development of the area.     

Colour infrared aerial photographs as data base for reconnaissance soil mapping and land suitability grouping

Colour infrared and panchromatic B & W aerial photographs at 1∶25,000 scale over part of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh were interpreted stereoscopically for delineating soilscape units. Soils and land properties were evaluated for suitability of the land for agriculture i.e. paddy and wheat. The results indicate that the relative case in delineating physiographic units offered by colour infrared air-photos does not commensurate with their cost. In the study area, 19.57 and 14.78 per cent area have been found to be suitable for paddy and wheat, respectively.     

Use of remotely sensed data for soil mapping

Soil maps have been prepared hitherto by conventional ground surveys and by using aerial photographs. In this paper, the use of LANDSAT data for preparation of small scale soil maps upto association of sub-group level has been discussed. Typical spectral curves for various soils and landuse categories were given based on the mean spectral levels for each LANDSAT band obtained from Multispectral Data Analysis System (M-DAS). Soil characterization using the multispectral data could be done by both image oriented and numerically oriented approaches. The small scale soil maps thus prepared by using the satellite data could be used for regional planning and as map base for further detailed surveys.     

Interpretation of an apollo space photo for small scale soil mapping in respect of an area in bihar

A section of an Apollo space photo relating to the Magadh area of Bihar state was monoscopically interpreted resulting in six delineations based upon tone and texture variations. Small scale aerial photographs were used for the preparation of soil map of a part of the area using a systematic air photointerpretation procedure; this served as a basis for defining the soil composition of four out of the six space photo analytical units. In respect of the remaining two units-soil information was obtained by reference to an existing small seale soil map of Bihar State. The data thus obtained have been used to prepare a small scale soil map of the selected section of the Apollo space photo. The soil map of the part of the space photo area that is based on support ph: to-interpretation has been found to have the quality and accuracy expected of very small scale soil maps.     

Land-use classification using ASTER data and self-organized neutral networks

Operationally AVHRR and TM/TM+ data were used and a supervised maximum likelihood classification (MLH) was applied to depict land use changes in Beijing, providing basic maps for planning and development. With rapid growth of the city these are helpful to deal with higher resolution data, whereas new classification algorithms produce land use maps more accurate. In the paper, new sensor ASTER data and the Kohonen self-organized neural network feature map (KSOM) were tested.The TSOM classified 7% more accurately than the maximum likelihood algorithm in general, and 50% more accurately for the classes ‘residential area’ and ‘roads’. The results suggest that ASTER data and the Kohonen self-organized neural network classification can be used as an alternative data and method in a land use update operational system.     

Practical Application of 3D Visualization Using Geotechnical Database: A Case Study Karsiyaka (Izmir) Settlement Area (Turkey)

3D geographic information system software’s (GIS) are widely used in engineering geology applications. This study was performed in the Karsiyaka settlement area for the preparation of engineering geological maps and evaluation of geological structures. Firstly, topographic maps digitized with Arcview GIS 3.2. Engineering geological maps were prepared using site works and digitized with the Rockworks 2006 programme and later stored in GIS-based computer systems. 3D modelling analysis and assessment using a geotechnical database is important to assist decision-making for land use and metro subway line planning, construction site selection, selection of water sources, etc. In this respect, the sub-surface of the study area is fully 3D visualized and useful soil class zonation maps for different depths maps are performed to be used in further studies. At last, after research at this site, the construction applications of Karsiyaka have multiplied.     

Mapping the distribution of the main host for plague in a complex landscape in Kazakhstan: An object-based approach using SPOT-5 XS,Landsat 7 ETM+, SRTM and multiple Random Forests

Plague is a zoonotic infectious disease present in great gerbil populations in Kazakhstan. Infectious disease dynamics are influenced by the spatial distribution of the carriers (hosts) of the disease. The great gerbil, the main host in our study area, lives in burrows, which can be recognized on high resolution satellite imagery. In this study, using earth observation data at various spatial scales, we map the spatial distribution of burrows in a semi-desert landscape.The study area consists of various landscape types. To evaluate whether identification of burrows by classification is possible in these landscape types, the study area was subdivided into eight landscape units, on the basis of Landsat 7 ETM+ derived Tasselled Cap Greenness and Brightness, and SRTM derived standard deviation in elevation.In the field, 904 burrows were mapped. Using two segmented 2.5 m resolution SPOT-5 XS satellite scenes, reference object sets were created. Random Forests were built for both SPOT scenes and used to classify the images. Additionally, a stratified classification was carried out, by building separate Random Forests per landscape unit.Burrows were successfully classified in all landscape units. In the ‘steppe on floodplain’ areas, classification worked best: producer's and user's accuracy in those areas reached 88% and 100%, respectively. In the ‘floodplain’ areas with a more heterogeneous vegetation cover, classification worked least well; there, accuracies were 86 and 58% respectively. Stratified classification improved the results in all landscape units where comparison was possible (four), increasing kappa coefficients by 13, 10, 9 and 1%, respectively.In this study, an innovative stratification method using high- and medium resolution imagery was applied in order to map host distribution on a large spatial scale. The burrow maps we developed will help to detect changes in the distribution of great gerbil populations and, moreover, serve as a unique empirical data set which can be used as input for epidemiological plague models. This is an important step in understanding the dynamics of plague.     

Mapping of Lateritic Soils of Midlands in Kerala Using Resourcesat-1 LISS-III and SRTM DEM Data

Lateritic soils of Mathamangalam, Kannur District, located in midlands of Kerala, were morphologically studied, characterized, classified and mapped at 1:50,000 scale using remote sensing techniques. The terrain of the study area being hilly and covered with perennial vegetation, soil-landscape model was applied. For this purpose physiographic information was inferred from SRTM DEM, Resourcesat-1 LISS-III satellite image and topographical maps. The interpreted units were validated in the field and characterized through soil-site examination, soil profile study and soil analysis. The study indicated that the lateritic soils of midlands of Kerala vary in physical, chemical and morphological properties in relation to micro-relief. Soils developed on moderately steeply sloping side slopes (15–30% slope) are deep, moderately well drained with gravelly clay textured, where as the soils developed on moderately slopping side slope (10–15% slope) are very deep and well drained. The soils of valleys are very deep, moderately well drained with fine texture. Very gently sloping (1–3%) laterite plateau tops have extremely shallow soils associated with rock outcrops. These soils mainly belong to Order Ultisols followed by Inceptisols and Entisols. These were further grouped up to Family and Series level by tentatively establishing seven soil series. This study helps in understanding the behaviour of lateritic soils of midlands of Kerala, which can be useful in generation of interpretative maps and in optimizing the land use.     

从彩色航空像片上看苏州拙政园

使用1986年航摄的1:10000比例尺自然彩色负片,放大制作1:1000比例尺苏州市拙政园彩色图像,对园内土地利用现状和绿化覆盖范围进行解译、调查和制图,在解译图上量测各类用地及绿化覆盖的面积,计算出拙政园内绿地率为52.50%,绿化覆盖率为81.36%,为园林、绿化管理部门提供了准确的数据和资料。据解译图上各类用地的平面格局总结了拙政园的园林结构特征集中体现了理水、叠山、建筑、绿化、装修、陈设等综合手法建园之精粹,是我国南方园林艺术之最。因此,在古典园林景点调查中推广运用遥感方法是可行的。     

Land resource inventory of Naurar subcatchment

Soil and Land Use Survey of Naurar subcatchment in Almora district of Uttar Pradesh was conducted to assist the authorities of the G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in their “Area Development Project”. Execution of appropriate soil conservation measures and adoption of improved agricultural practices both aimed at the betterment of the socioeconomic conditions of the population of this backward hilly tract are the major objectives of the project. The University Specialists belonging to various disciplines propose to tackle the problem on an integrated basis. A large scale soil and land use map was prepared through the adoption of a systematic Aerial Photo interpretaion procedure. For this purpose 36 large scale Panchromatic vertical aerial photographs in the scale of 1: 15,000 covering a greater part of the subcatchment and three medium scale aerial photographs in the approximate scale of 1: 40,000 were used both for systematic aerial photo-interpretation and compilation of the data during the field work. The survey provides information about the different taxonomie soil classes in the area. It is observed that about 78.7% of the area is covered under Typic Ustorthents. The erosion hazards have also been mapped and revealed 27.3% of the area under moderate to severe erosion and 26.7% under severe to very severe erosion. Broad suggestions for proper utilisation of land resources have also been made.     

Soil Survey Scale and its Effect on Land use Planning

Soil survey maps compiled at a variety of scales (1:5,000; 1:100,000; 1:500,000) were incorporated into a GIS and compared in terms of the number of soil classes (and discrete soil units belonging to these classes) that could be identified on the basis of the System of Analysis for Agricultural Planning (SAMPA). Significant differences in the number of soil classes were observed between the detailed (1:5,000) survey and the two others. The semi-detailed (1:100,000) and the recognition (1:500,000) maps did not differ in terms of the number of soil classes depicted, but there were nonetheless differences in soil classification, which has a direct bearing on their utility for land use planning.     

Physiographic analysis for small scale soil and landuse mapping of Mewat area,Haryana, using LANDSAT imagery

Visual interpretation of LANDSAT imagery of 1∶250,000 scale (band 5 and 7) and 1∶1 M (FCC) covering 1611 km² in Mewat area, Haryana was carried out for delineating the physiographic units. The physiographic units viz. hills, piedmont plain, intermontane basin and Yamuna alluvial plain were identified and delineated using interpretation elements. Soils and land use in relation to the physiographic units were studied during the field visit and are described in the paper.     

Multistage approach in soil mapping using remote sensing techniques

The use of Landsat images at 1∶1 Million and 1∶250,000 scales and aerial photographs at 1∶60,000 scale for preparation of soil maps has been discussed. It was possible to prepare soil maps at Suborder and its association from the Landsat images as the base and Subgroup and its association map using the aerial photographs as base. The compatability of classification of landscape units has been discussed keeping the API map as the standard.     

Impact Assessment of GIS Based Land Resource Inventory Towards Optimizing Agricultural Land Use Plan in Dandakaranya and Easternghats Physiographic Confluence of India

GIS based land resource inventory (LRI) with fine resolution imagery is considered as most authentic tool for soil resource mapping. Soil resource mapping using the concept of soil series in a smaller scale limits its wide application and also its impact assessment for crop suitability is controversial. In this study, we attempted to develop LRI at large scale (1:10,000 scale) at block level land use planning (LUP) in Dandakaranya and Easternghats physiographic confluence of India. The concept of land management unit was introduced in this endeavour. The impact assessment of LRI based LUP was exercised to develop efficient crop planning with best possible management practices. The study area comprised six landforms with slope gradient ranging from very gentle (1–3%) to steep slopes (15–25%). The very gently sloping young alluvial plains occupied maximum areas (19.95% of TGA). The single cropped (paddy) land appears to dominate the land use systems (40.0% of TGA). Thirty three landscape ecological units were resulted by GIS-overlay. Eighteen soils mapping units were generated. The area was broadly under two soil orders (Inceptisols and Alfisols); three great group (Haplaquepts, Rhodustalfs and Endoaquepts) and ten soil series. Crop suitability based impact assessment of LRI based LUP revealed that average yield of different crops increased by 39.2 and 14.5% in Kharif (rainy season) and Rabi (winter) seasons respectively and annual net returns by 83.4% for the cropping system, compared to traditional practices. Productivity and net returns can be increased several folds if customized recommended practices are adopted by the farmers. Informations generated from the study emphasized the potentiality of LRI towards optimizing LUP and exhibited an ample scope to use the methodology as a tool to assess in other physiographic regions in India and abroad.