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.     

Studying town morphology through Remote Sensing

Remotely-sensed data products have got unique advantage over conventional data-gathering techniques in the study of urban morphology. The physical parameters like built-up area density, street pattern, population density, urban structure as well as functional characteristics which can be derived from land use/land cover map, are clearly visible on aerial data products. This technique provides synoptic view of the area which makes the study comprehensive and uniform. Sequential aerial photographs and satellite imagery help in studying the growth of urban area and temporal changes in urban structure. These informations are very useful in the planning of city extension. Here an attempt has been made to study the urban morphology of Saharanpur city by using panchromatic aerial photographs on scale 1∶10,000, IRS-1B LISS II geocoded imagery on 1∶50,000 scale and photo-maps on 1∶4000 scale, and the results are very encouraging.     

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.     

Land evaluation studies in semi-arid central alluvial plains area in district Rohtak,Haryana

The study deals with making land evaluation for sugarcane, wheat and paddy cultivation in the semi-arid central alluvial plains in district Rohtak, Haryana. The special feature of this study is the use of soil survey data obtained from the interpretation of aerial photographs (1∶25,000) with limited field checks for making soil classification. Methodology of land evaluation is based on F.A.O. frame work and an attempt has been made to extricate land qualities from the information contained in the texa of soil Taxonomy identified in the surveyed are. The study successfully demonstrates a systematic, fast and economic way of making land evaluation for sound landuse planning in an area for agriculture development. On the basis of this study, highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3) and currently not suitable (N1) land mapping units for the cultivation of sugarcane, wheat and paddy have been identified and their respective percentage area calculated for the study area.     

Evaluation of land resources by different technig for their proper utilisation

Soil and land resources inventory and their proper utilisation is important for scientific and economic planning. Advances in scientific technology provided more promising base for abstracting information of soil and land resources for evaluating their potentials and efficient utilisation. Aerial photograph since 1940’s and landsat data from 1970’s opened new vistas of knowledge in such a task and proved to be very promising. Extra information with increased accuracy that is possible through these techniques accentuated their wider applications. The merits and demerits of these two techniques over the conventional approach have been discussed. A case study in an area of Mahaboobnagar district, Andhra Pradesh is presented in this paper. Aerial photographs of 1∶20,000 scale and landsat data of 4, 5 and 7 bands and alse Colour Composite in 1:250000 scales have been used for this study. The data acquired through conventional field work at Rapid Reconnaissance survey level is taken as a base for comparison. The study revealed the superiority of Aerial photograph over other techniques whereas visual interpretation of landsat products yielded additional information over conventional method. The time and cost efficiency was found to be in the order of 1∶3∶7 and 1∶6∶18 respectively for landsat, aerial photograph and conventional field work.     

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.     

Land suitability analysis for cereal production in Himachal Pradesh (India) using Geographical Information System

Land suitability analysis is prerequisite for sustainable agriculture and it plays a pivotal role in the niche based agricultural planning in mountain regions. In this paper different parameters viz. climatic (precipitation and temperature), topographic (elevation), soil type and land cover/land use have been used in order to perform land suitability evaluation for cereals food-grain crops in Himachal Pradesh using Geographic Information System (GIS). The suitability analysis was performed by digital processing of geo-referenced data (elevation, climate, soil and landcover) and calculating potential production areas by combining different types of geographical data through decision rules framed for each crop in ArcView spatial analyst. Suitable areas have been delineated for cereal crops in the form of land suitability maps. In comparison to the actual area under cereal crops, the possibility of further expansion under each cereal crop was determined. These discriminated areas appear suitable for growing these crops and can be harnessed efficiently for achieving long term sustainability and food security.     

Soil survey of command area for planning of water management: A case study of an area in Hardoi district,U.P.

Development of irrigation potential for increasing agricultural production is the main aim of Command Area Development. This involves interaction amongst various factors; the soil, the crop, the climate, the topograpny and others. Water management in Command Area requires careful planning, based upon adequate data regarding soils, land use and topography. It is essential to make the best possible use of the available water without creating waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity problems in the command area. The use of aerial photographs is a well recognized expedient, convenient and economical method of data collection, which appreciably suits the requirement of the survey of Command Areas. As large areas have to be surveyed for data collection, the best way to accomplish this is by taking up survey of command area in different levels: reconnaissance, semi-detailed and detailed. The reconnaissance and semi-detailed survey would enable us to identify problem areas. Detailed survey are needed in these areas for taking up reclamation measures. A case study of soil survey carried out in the Sharda Sahayak Command Area of a part of Hardoi District is given as an example to illustrate the use of aerial photographs for planning of water management practices.     

Use of aerial photographs in the study of watershed characteristics

Watershed characteristics are studied using aerial photographs for two streams (choes) in the KANDI area of Punjab. Characteristic mapped include, soil erosion, landuse, drainage, topography. The photointerpretation was supplemented with field checks of the interpreted data. The interpreted data shows large areas of soil eroded and the development of bad land due to large scale cutting of the vegetation both in the Siwalik Hills and KANDI area.     

遥感技术在北京周边资源与环境监测中的应用

北京周边地区是近一二十a环境退化较严重的地区，特别是由于资源过度开发利用所引起的土地利用和土地覆被变化的生态 环境问题十分突出。以遥感技术、地理信息系统和全球定位系统技术为手段，利用1991或1992年、2001或2002年2期的遥感影像为 基础，辅以土地利用现状图及与生态建设等相关资料，通过外业调查验证，快速、准确地获取北京周边地区51个县级辖区，总土地 面积为23万km2的土地利用现状和近10a的土地利用动态变化及与生态环境相关的土地退化，以反映生态建设工程的实施效果，为 北京周边地区资源合理利用和生态环境建设与规划提供了科学依据。     

Delineation of potential zones for artificial recharge using gis

In the present study, potential zones for artificial recharge in Agniar-Ambuliar-Southvellar river basins in Tamilnadu, India have been delineated through integration of various thematic maps using Arc view GIS. The study area, covers an area of 4566 km². Thematic maps pertaining to geology, permeability, effective soil depth, drainage intensity, soil texture, water holding capacity and physiography were prepared on 1:2,50,000 scale using conventional methods. These maps were scanned and registered with reference to a base map and are prepared as separate layers or coverages using Arc view. GIS has been used for the integration of various thematic maps to delineate the potential zones for artificial recharge. Each theme was assigned a weightage depending on its influence on groundwater recharge. Each class or unit in the map was assigned a knowledge based ranking from one to four depending on its significance in storage and transmittance of groundwater. The final map has been prepared showing four different categories of potential zones for artificial recharge.     

Landscape ecological planning in a Basaltic terrain, central India, using Remote sensing and GIS techniques

In the present study, detailed field survey in conjunction with remotely sensed (IRS-1D, LISS-III) data is of immense help in terrain analysis and landscape ecological planning at watershed level. Geomorphologically summit crust, table top summits, isolated mounds. plateau spurs, narrow slopes, plateau side drainage floors, narrow valleys and main valley floor were delineated. The soil depth ranges from extremely shallow in isolated mounds to very deep soils in the lower sectors. Very good, good, moderate, poor and very poor groundwater prospect zones were delineated. By the integrated analysis of slope, geomorphology. soil depth, land use/land cover and groundwater prospect layers in GIS. 29 landscape ecological units were identified. Each landscape ecological unit refers to a natural geographic entity having distinctive properties of slope, geomorphology. soil depth, land use/ land cover and groundwater prospects. The landscape ecological stress zone mapping of the study area has been carried out based on the analysis and reclassification of tandscape ecological units. The units having minimum ecological impact in terms of slope, geomorphology, soil depth and land use/land cover were delineated under very low stress landscape ecological zones. The units having maximum ecological stress in the form of very high slopes, isolated mounds, table top summits and summit crust, extremely shallow soils, waste lands and very poor groundwater prospects were delineated into very high stress landscape ecological zones. The integrated analysis of remotely sensed data and collateral data in GIS environment is of immense help in evaluation of landscape ecological units and landscape ecological stress zones. The delineated landscape ecological stress zones in the watershed have been recommended for landscape ecological planning for better utilization of natural resources without harming the natural geo-ecosystem of the area.     

Utilisation of integrated remote sensing technique for coastal geomorphic and geologic data extraction—A case study for Coondapur,south Kanara district (Karnataka)

Coastal zone is associated with several geomorphic features of erosional and depositional nature, be sides the broad geologic information. The area around Coondapur of south Kanara district, Karnataka, possesses all the major characteristics of coastal zone and these are extractable through intergated remotely sensed data namely Landsat-1 MSS imagery, Salyut-7 KATE space photograph and aerial photographs. The visual interpretation is carried out with developing remote sensing keys to decipher major geomorphic-geologic information like: spit, double spit, beach deposit, alluvium, levee deposit, la|terite and other rock types. It is concluded that the major geomorphic-geologic characteristics as well as subdeltaic drainage, soil erosoin are obtained through space borne data. The aerial photographs provide the detailed geomorphic and geologic information.     

Use of aerial photographs in mapping alkali soils with respect to their management in a part of north-west India

An area of 6000 ha covering four villages was adopted by the Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal under Operational Research Project to transfer the technology of alkali soil reclamation in the farmer’s fields. This necessitated mapping and characterisation of alkali soils of the area. Use of black and white photographs in 1∶25,000 scale proved effective in delineating alkali soils quickly and inexpensively. The physiography and photo elements like tone, landuse, drainage and parcelling facilitated identification and demarcation of four mapping units viz; P₁, P₃, P₄ and C. The unit P represented nearly flat upland alluvial plain while C represented low lying filled up old channel. The alkali soils confined mainly to the upland plain were recorded in white toned barren stretches and accounted for 36.6 percent of surveyed area. In addition, patchy occurrence of alkali soils admist the cultivated fields giving mottled appearance on the photographs was noticed over 11.3 percent area. In this case the photo scale proved limiting for demarcating alkali and non-alkali soils separately. The prtactical utility of the soil inventory in planning reclamation and management of alkali soil in the area has also been discussed.     

Mapping Soil Resources in Part of Northern India Using Spaceborne Multispectral Data

Abstract

Spaceborne multispectral measurements have been found very useful tool in delineating soilscape boundaries. The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS 1B) Linear Imaging Self‐scanning Sensor (LISS‐II) data in the form of false colour composite (FCC) prints at 1:50,000 scale covering part of a complex terrain ‐ hard rock intermixed with the alluvium, were interpreted visually for mapping soil resources. The physiography and lithology of the terrain have been found to have a direct bearing on the occurrence of soils. The image elements which are the reflection of surface drainage, land use/land cover, wetness, etc have been helpful in segregating the broad physiographic units into their components. These sub‐divisions were ultimately found to be associated with the characteristic soils. The methodology and results are discussed in detail.     

Land use change analysis of Bharatpur district using GIS

Knowledge on area and distribution of land uses plays an important role in district planning. An attempt has been made here to study existing land use pattern and changes in the land use pattern of Bharatpur district. Multi-date remote sensing data (1986 and 1989) has been used for the purpose. Seventeen land use maps on 1∶50,000 scale were prepared. ARC/INFO GIS package has been employed for the land use analysis. GIS package has also been used to relate the land use information to the villages and arrive at tentative comparison of land use as is reported in Census and as obtained from the remote sensing. Major findings in land use pattern of Bharatpur district are a) that the land use pattern in Bharatpur district is not similar to that of general land use pattern prevalent in Rajasthan State as a whole, b) Agriculture is the predominant user of land occupying about 75 percent of the reporting area, c) Forest cover in the district is not very significant and it has been depleted from 5.6 percent to 3.1 percent, d) the area under pastures and tree crops is also negligible and e) Area under waste land (eroded land, undulating terrain with or without scrub and rock out crops has been increased from 6.34 percent to 7.89 percent. The area under salt affected land, sandy area and water logged area has been decreased from 6.83 percent to 2.09 percent.     

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.     

Study of drainage pattern of Raniganj Coalfield (Burdwan district) as observed on Landsat-TM/IRS LISS II imagery

Drainage pattern of Raniganj Coalfield basin has been mapped as observed on false colour composites of Landsat TM and IRS-LISS II imagery and their characteristics have been interpreted in terms of basin morphology, surface materials and underlying rock types. The drainage system of the region is composed of 3 perennial rivers with 15 ephemeral nalas and jhors which as a whole flows on recent peneplain basin. Although, on an average, nalas and jhors of the area have smaller stream length and with smaller basinal area but they hold sufficient amount of water during monsoon and therefore by effective planning and management, surface water resources could be enhanced in the region.     

Quantitative monitoring of land use changes in relation to hydrology of Bhavani basin using remote sensing techniques — a case study

The paper summarises a part of the results of an on-going project for quantifying the land use changes in Bhavani basin (Geographic co-ordinates N lat 10°55′ - 11°45′,E Long. 76°30′ - 77°45′). Landsat and aerial data have been used in monitoring the dynamic changes in land use patterns. Visually interpreted Landsat MSS data of two different dates in conjunction with the historic data acquired from the Survey of India topographic maps and field data were used in this investigation. Also land use changes over two test-sites in the basin were studied using aerial photographs. During the study, it has been observed that a direct correlation exists between the rainfall and the area irrigated. The repetitive coverage of the satellite data are found to be quite remarkable, especially the 1:250,000 False Colour Composites (FCC) in assessing rapidly the temporal land use changes of a region at a cheaper cost.     

Remote sensing and GIS application for land quality assessment for coffee growing areas of Karnataka

An assessment of land quality was carried out for coffee-growing areas of Karnataka using satellite image, toposheets and soil studies. The investigation focused on monitoring soil processes that control the land quality using satellite data in order to identify the land qualities that are ideal for coffee-growing; to identify the status of land qualities of coffee-growing areas using satellite imageries, toposheets and soil resource maps and to characterise land quality using soil studies in selected areas. The land quality was characterised using climatic data, terrain analysis and soil attributes. From the study it was observed that coffee growing lands of Gabbugal and Kelagur have best land qualities and coffee-growing areas of Balur and Nellikkad have moderate land qualities. Satellite image and aerial photographs were successfully used for monitoring the land quality and its changes in these areas. For optimum utilization of available natural resources on a sustainable basis, timely and reliable information on soils regarding their nature, extent and spatial distribution along with their potential and limitations is very important. The efficiency and accuracy of data are improved when remote sensing data products such as aerial photographs and satellite image are used.