Remote Sensing (RS) and ...
Published by Prem Baboo, Researcher at www.researchGate.net
Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are now providing new tools for advanced ecosystem management. The collection of remotely sensed data facilitates the synoptic analyses of Earth - system function, patterning, and change at local, regional and global scales over time; such data also provide an important link between intensive, localized ecological research and regional, national and international conservation and management of biological diversity Digital change detection techniques by using multi-temporal satellite imagery helps in understanding landscape dynamics.Supervised classification methodology has been employed using maximum likelihood technique in ERDAS 9.3 Software. The images of the study area were categorised into five different classes namely vegetation, agriculture, barren, built-up and water body. The results indicate that during the last two decades, vegetation and built-up land have been increased by 3.51% (9.39 km2) and 3.55% (9.48 km2) while agriculture, barren land and water body have decreased by 1.52% (4.06 km2), 5.46% (14.59 km2) and 0.08% (0.22 km2), respectively.
Software Used
Basically, five software were used for this project viz;
(a) ArcView 3.2a – this was used for displaying and subsequent processing and enhancement of the image. It was also used for the carving out of Ilorin region from the whole Kwara State imagery using both the admin and local government maps.
(b) ArcGIS – This was also used to compliment the display and processing of the data
(c) Idrisi32 – This was used for the development of land use land cover classes and subsequently for change detection analysis of the study area.
(d) Microsoft word – was used basically for the presentation of the research.
- Microsoft Excel was used in producing the bar graph.
Land cover refers to the physical characteristics of earth’s surface, captured in the distribution of vegetation, water, soil and other physical features of the land, including those created solely by human activities e.g., settlements. While land-use refers to the way in which land has been used by humans and their habitat, usually with accent on the functional role of land for economic activities. The land use/cover pattern of a region is an outcome of natural and socio-economic factors and their utilization by man in time and space. Information on land use/cover and possibilities for their optimal use is essential for the selection, planning and implementation of land use schemes to meet the increasing demands for basic human needs and welfare.