Geologic and geomorphic controls in land use patterns — examples using remote sensing techniques

Land use on earth’s landscape primarily indicates the degree of human activity which in turn reflects the man’s life style. Though land use is controlled by several factors like soil, hydrologic, climatic, socio-economic and political yet geology and gecmorphology play an important role. The basic lanscape formation depends mainly on the inherent lithology and sturcture. Certain landforms in the present landscape are such that they are suitable to a particular land use, and the human being from the very beginning without knowing this natural relationship between the landform and landuse, have been using that part of land for that particular use only. Remote sensing techniques are used effectively to map the landforms, to find out the land use pattern and to delineate the lithology and structure. Some examples from east coast deltaic plains and sedimentary terrain of Tripura state have been given here to show the influence of geology and geomorphology on broad land use pattern.     

Landsat image enhancement and analysis approach for geological studies of central part of Goa,India

With the advent of multispectral scanners and the availability of digital data, information extraction through remote sensing has become one of the viable tools for studying natural resources. Normally thick vegetation and soil cover are common obstacles while geologically studying an area remotely. The study area, Goa, is largely covered by settlements, private mines, and dense vegetation. This makes it difficult to decipher lithology, structures and to find their extension by ground surveying. In this paper, an attempt has been made to study a variety of image enhancement and analysis techniques to delineate geological features, lineaments, and several landuse features. The information gathered from land use features and vegetation cover is also utilized in delineating lithology and lineaments. Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS) data both in the visual and digital form have been used for the analysis. Various photographic techniques such as Bas-relief, combined printing of positive and negative for different bands, color composites, and digital image processing techniques like ratioing, principal component analysis and ratioing of the first two principal components have been applied for geological information extraction. This paper examines comparative utility of enhancement techniques in studying geological aspects. It is found that the ratio image of PCI and PC2 gives most significant and detailed information with maximum contrast and sharp boundaries. Bas-relief images are excellent for identifying geomorphic features and lineaments.     

Integrated resource study for conservation and management of Ropar wetland ecosystem, Punjab

Integrated resource study in Ropar wetland ecosystem was undertaken to analyse physiography, drainage, landuse and vegetation status. Various thematic maps have been prepared using black and white aerial photographs on 1:20,000 scale and IRS 1A LISS-II (FCC) on 1:50,000 scale. The Ropar wetland ecosystem is comprised of six major landforms i.e. Siwalik hills, Valley, Piedmont plain, Alluvial plain, River terraces and River courses. The study area show high drainage density with sub dendritic and sub parallel drainage. The area has poor vegetative cover which results in extensive erosion and sedimentation of Ropar lake. The water spread and. qualitative turbidity level in the notified wetland area was also monitored. Anthropogenic pressure, industrial pollution, sedimentation, eutrophication, illegal fishing and flooding have been identified as major threats to the wetland. Keeping in view the threats to Ropar wetland, the conservation measures have been suggested.     

Evaluation of drainage networks developed in hard rock terrain

An attempt was made to study the influence of various factors such as geology, landforms, slope, soil, landuse/cover on the development of the drainage network. To compare and evaluate drainage networks developed in various geologic terrains, differing in rock type and structure, three sub-basins of the Bhadra river basin, located in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, India were selected for the study. Quantitative morphometric analysis was carried out for both linear aspects and areal aspects for all three sub-basins. The applicability of Horton's laws was also studied. Each of the quantitative parameters was interrelated with thematic details derived from remote sensing data. The results of the study indicate that the drainage characteristics are entirely different for all three sub-basins. The study has also established the applicability of Horton's laws pertaining to quantitative morphometry of the sub-basins.     

Air photo approach to inventory of urban land use in central area case study — Kanpur

The case study of Kanpur demonstrates the use of air photo approach to collect physical data, mainly landuse in central area. The study reveals that very less percentage of vacant land exists in central area for future development. Though this area consist CBD, even then commercial landuse accounts to be only 10% of total area. Selective landuse inventory analysis was carried out for the landuse categories, commercial, industrial and vacant. Reliability of aerial photo-interpretation of over all landuse map found to be 91–95% and each sub-class of landuse reliability for omission and commission error found to be within limits for planning and design purpose.     

Vegetation and landuse analysis of aglar watershed using satellite remote sensing technique

Wetershed management requires spatial knowledge of vegetation attribute, alongwith landuse, socio-economic and physical parameters. Aglar watershed, which drains in the river Yamuna, is situated in a socio-economically backward region. Any development plan in this region will require an approach which considers natural unit of watershed and its parameterisation. The study highlights the utility of space remote sensing data in obtaining spatial information of vegetation and existing landuse through visual interpretation of 1:50,000 scale Landsat TM false colour composite. Aglar watershed has been identified as forested having distinct vegetation distribution and landuse practice in southern and northern aspects of the watershed. Southern aspects are more inhabited and subjected to terrace cultivation and acute shortage of vegetation resources for fuelwood and fodder. The northern aspect is thickly vegetated with low-population density.     

Perspect and assessment of groundwater resources using remote sensing techniques in and around Choral river basin,Indore and Khargone districts,M.P.

The study area around Choral river basin in the Narmada valley region, forms a part of Indore and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh. The geological, geomorphologic, lineament, hydrogeomorphic and groundwater potential zone maps of the study area have been prepared using IRS IC LISS III FCC imagery on 1:50,000 scale. Various litho-units, different land-forms, lineament fabric and hydro-geomorphic units have been worked out by visual interpretation methods and frequent field checks. The integrated hydro-geomorphological map of the study area reveals that the groundwater potential in denudation landforms such as buried pediplains, plateaus, denudational and residual hills is moderate-to-poor. On the other hand, the groundwater occurrence in structural landforms like structural hills, lineaments/faults and narrow gorges is likely to be good to moderate and the depositional landforms namely alluvial plains, valley-fills and meandering-channels favour the accumulation of sub-surface water and, therefore, may be considered as good recharge zones. From the point of view of groundwater occurrence, various hydro-geomorphic units have been classified as high, moderate and low potential zones.     

Monitoring the impact of coal mining and thermal power industry on landuse pattern in and around Singrauli Coalfield using Remote Sensing data and GIS

Singrauli Coalfield spreading over an area of about 300 sq km along Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh border in the central part of India, is witnessing rapid industrialisation due to a large number of open pit coal mining projects and Super Thermal Power Station (STPS). Large scale mining activities along with operation of STPS have generated a great deal of environmental stress not only on the landuse pattern but also on various ecosystems in this region. An integrated remote sensing study was conducted to assess the impact of industrialisation on landuse pattern in the area under reference. The multispectral, multi-temporal data (1975, 1986 & 1991) of LANDSAT MSS and TM duly supplemented with ground truth were studied for generation of multidate landuse maps. Data base for landuse for the years 1975, 1986 and 1991 was created using PAMAP GIS for landuse analysis and change detection for optimal utilisation, planning and management of land resources. The study has revealed that the areas under built-up land, mining and fly ash pond have increased substantially from 1975 to 1991. Loss in forest cover and agricultural land has occurred due to rapid industrialisation in this region. It has been observed from the comparison of 1986 and 1991 data that the wasteland generated due to deforestation for initiating coal mining projects has gradually been reclaimed under operation “Green Gold” launched by Northern Coalfields Ltd. Further the wastelands have been effectively utilised for establishing the STPS, townships as well as other infrastructures in this area.     

Combined use of groundwater modeling and potential zone analysis for management of groundwater

A methodology for groundwater evaluation has been developed by the combined use of numerical model and spatial modeling using GIS. The developed methodology has been applied on the sub-basin of the Banganga River, India. Initially, the groundwater potential zones have been delineated by spatial modeling. Different thematic maps of the basin like geology, geomorphology, soil, drainage, slope factor and landuse/landcover have been used to identify the groundwater potential zones. Further, the groundwater flow model for the study area has been developed in the MODFLOW. The groundwater flow vector map has been developed and superimposed on the potential zone map to validate the results of spatial modeling. Finally, the different scenarios have been conceptualized by varying the discharge of the wells and purposing the location for new rainwater harvesting structures. Results reveal that increasing the discharge of the wells in the potential zones put less stress on the aquifer. The suggested locations of rainwater harvesting structures also help to reduce the overall decline of groundwater in the area. The hydrological and spatial modeling presented in this study is highly useful for the evaluation of groundwater resources and for deciding the location of rainwater harvesting structures in semi-arid regions.     

Identification of rainwater harvesting sites using SCS-CN methodology,remote sensing and Geographical Information System techniques

This study presents a method to identify potential sites for soil and water conservation techniques for the demarcation of suitable sites for artificial recharge of groundwater aquifers, in the study area. The run-off derived by the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method is a function of run-off potential which can be expressed in terms of run-off coefficient. The augmentation of water resource is proposed by the construction of rainwater harvesting structures like check dam, percolation pond, farm pond and gully check dam. The site suitability for different water harvesting structures is determined by considering spatially varying parameters like slope, infiltration, run-off potential, landuse/land cover, stream order, soil texture, land capability class, hydrological soil group and micro-watershed area. The determined suitable site has been validated with existing recharge structures of the study area. Accuracy assessment of the suitable sites for recharge structures potential maps of the Bindra watershed is 82.60%.     

Dynamics of coastal landform features along the southern Tamil Nadu of India by using remote sensing and Geographic Information System

This article reveals an application of multi-spectral satellite data for analysing the dynamics of different coastal landform features along the southern coastal Tamil Nadu of India. An integrated approach comprising visual image interpretation and maximum-likelihood supervised classification has been employed to classify the coastal landforms by using IRS data (during the period 1999–2006). The quality of image classification has been assessed by performing the accuracy assessments with the existing thematic maps and finally the coastal landforms have been mapped. The study reveals that the dynamics of coastal landforms such as sandy beaches, mud-flats, sand dunes and salt marshes along the study area are mostly influenced by the coastal processes, sediment transport, geomorphology and anthropogenic activities. Major anthropogenic sources for the perturbation of beach sediment budgets and a cause of beach erosion along the study area are excessive sand mining, removal of sand dunes, coastal urbanization, tourism and developmental activities.     

Landuse/land cover change in Mumbai-Navi Mumbai cities and its effects on the drainage basins and channels — A study using GIS

The Mumbai-Navi Mumbai cities (Bombay and New Bombay) are among the highest populated cities in the country. The population pressure has caused drastic landuse change in the last seventy years. Multi-date data from SOI topographical maps and Landsat TM digital data have been used to study the landuse change. The change has been quantified using A GIS It was observed that 55% reduction in forest/agricultural land, while a 300% increase in built-up land has taken place in the last seventy years. This has affected the natural drainage system of the cities, causing flooding during monsoons. The quantum of draînage basin area and stream length, in the ten basins which drain the area, under influence of built-up land was found by using a map overlay of the drainage network map and landuse map of 1994. The results shed light on the extent of drainage network disruption within these two neighbouring cities.     

Monitoring of forest cover type and landuse classes through remote sensing techniques

Ranikhet tahsil being situated in mountaineous region of the Himalaya has been influenced by fast changes in forest cover and landuse during the recent past. Remote sensing technique has been employed to monitor the changes in forest cover and imporant landuse classes. Landsat MSS (FCC) and Landsat TM (FCC) of 1972 and 1986 respectively has been visually interpreted. The study highlights the potential of remote sensing techniques for monitoring the changes in forest cover and land use classes.     

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.     

Satellite remote sensing in urban sprawl mapping & monitoring a case study of Delhi

Visual interpretation of satellite data products coupled with field checking is a very useful technique of finding out the physical growth of urban centres. The expansion of urban centres is very fast and conventional ground methods are slow and in-accurate because by these methods, delineation of built-up area is difficult. Mapping and monitoring the urban sprawl, as a result of urban decay of city centre, at regular intervals is very essential for urban planners to understand the trend of development on the urban periphery and subsequently to regulate it. In this study, various data products like Landsat MSS, TM, Toposheets were used to find out the growth of Delhi urban area since 1975 to 1988. Thematic Mapper imagery was used to prepare a broad landuse/land cover map of Delhi and environs. This study was very useful in finding out the potential, as well as shortcomings of satellite data products in the study of various urban aspects.     

Role of remote sensing in residential site selection: A case study of Hisar town and its environs

To tackle the problems arising due to rapid urbanization, the urban planners need relevant data base. Since the conventional methods of data acquisition and processing ate not cost and time effective, introduction of new techniques is necessary. Application of satellite remote sensing is an alternative. Ia this paper attempt has been made to find out the usefulness of visual interpretation technique of satellite remote sensing data in the selection of new residential site. SPOT 1 HRV 1 MLA (FCC) date has been used to map existing landuse/landcover of Hisar town and its environs. Based on existing landuse/lsndcover conditions and evaluation of various suitability parameters like physiography, slope, drainage, availability of drinking water and wind direction, a new residential site has been selected. This study may be useful to the urban planners in the preparation of a comprehensive plan Df the town.     

Geomorphology and land use pattern of visakhapatnam urban - industrial area

Geomorphology and land use pattern of Visakhapatnam urban – industrial area have been studied using IRS IB and SPOT data. The geomorphic units under structural landforms, fluvial landforms and coastal landforms were identified and appropriate field confirmations were made. The geomorphic units such as inselbergs/residual hills, rolling plains, colluvial plains, fractures, piedmont fans, pediments were identified under structural landforms. The units wind gap, paleo channels, gully land, alluvial plain and natural levee were identified under fluvial landforms. The coastal landforms include sea cave, sea stack, red sediments, beach sands and marshy area. Study of the land use pattern reveals the land use under various categories of residential, planned and un planned, agricultural land, waste land and others. The data will have high relevance and usefulness for urban, industrial and ground water resource evaluations in the context of rapid urbanization and industrialization.     

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.     

顾及地理实体语义相似度的土地用途分区模型

结合土地用途分区工作的要求,提出了地理实体语义相似度测度模型;在对小图斑的模式进行划分的基础上,构建了顾及语义相似度的土地用途分区模型,并提出分区结果的面积平衡和最优化评价方法。以海南省昌江县海尾镇为例对模型进行验证,结果表明,该模型是一种科学、合理、高效的土地用途分区模型,该方法提供的土地用途分区方案不仅能够较好地反映认知特性,还能较好地概括土地利用的特征,可以为土地利用规划、土地利用调控和管理提供技术支持。