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Monitoring of Forest Cover in Chittagong Forest Division of Bangladesh Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

D. A. Quadir
Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.

Atiar Rahman
Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.

Fazlul Haque
Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.

I. U. Ahmad
Bangladesh Forest Department, Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh.

M. Runkel
FAO Remote Sensing Centre, Rome, Italy.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

In the present study, techniques of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) have been used to map and monitor the forest cover of the Chittagong Forest Division of Bangladesh. Landsat MSS data of March 1984 and TM data of March 1990 and October 1991 were used. Because of the lower resolution of MSS, only three classes of forest vegetation were identi ficd and interpreted from a 1:200000 scale hardcopy of false colour composite (FCC) of MSS bands 3.4 and 7. A detailed classification of the forest cover, other vegetation and land cover types has been made using the Landsat TM data. An interpretation was done based on 1:100000 scale hard copies of standard false colour composites (bands 2.3 and 4). The interpreted results were digitized to create a GIS data base. A data base of infrastructures and Reserved Forests of the study area was created from the topographic maps in 1:50000 scale. Based on overlays of the two visual satellite image interpretations and the infrastructure, several maps and statistical outputs were produced, showing the state and change of forest cover of Chittagong Forest Division. The study shows that Landsat TM data of winter period is not optimal for identification of forest types in Chittagong Forest Division. Preferably a tcmporal sequence of TM data is appropriate for detailed mapping and monitoring in this area.

Keywords: Monitoring, Remote sensing, GIS, Forest

Location: Chittagong Forest Division is in the Chittagong district, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-03-1984

End Date: 00-10-1991

Program Area: Knowledge Management

Non-commodity: Remote sensing

Objectives:

The present study has been conducted to identify and map different types of forests and other vegetation covers using Landsat MSS and TM data for the Chittagong Forest Division. Besides using remote sensing technology, the study aims at creating a GIS data base and developing GIS techniques for forest monitoring, mapping and producing statistical and tabular statements of various land features including different types of forests. It also aims at showing the changes during the period of 7 years (1984 to 1991). This is the first study in Bangladesh where remote sensing techniques and GIS have been used in conjunction for detailed mapping and monitoring of forest/vegetation cover (over the areas of Chittagong Forest Division).

Methodology:

The Chittagong Forest Division is in the Chittagong district, Chittagong Circle of the Bangladesh Forest Department. The division lies between 210501 and noool north latitudes, and between 9] 0301 and 920101 east longitudes. The division is bounded by the Feni river to the north, Chittagong Hill Tracts to the east, the Bay of Bengal to the west and the Cox's Bazar Forest Division to the south. 1) Satellite imagery: a) Landsat MSS FCC (bands 1, 2 and 4 equi valent to MSS bands 4, 5 and 7 of Landsat 3 and former Landsats) of March 1984, Path 136 and Row 44/45, hardcopy at the scale of 1:200000. The image has moderate colour contrast and was cloud free. b) Landsat TM FCC (bands 2,3 and 4) of 5 March 1990 and 17 October 1991. Path 136 and Row 44/45 enlargement 1:1 00000 scale. The imagery have moderate colour contrast and was cloud free. The used satellite products are the standard hard copy images. 2) Infra red colour aerial photographs (positive colour prints) of 1983/84 at a scale of 1:50000. 3) Topographic maps (Survey of Bangladesh) a) 1:250000 scale, edition 1960 - 1979 b) 1:50000 scale (16 sheets covering the study area, edition 1964-1978) c) Forest maps 1984, 1:15000 scale based on interpretation of aerial photographs. These maps were very useful to develop the interpretation keys and carry out the field trips. Interpretation of the imagery and analysis and creation of GIS/data base were described in this study.

Source of Information: ISSN 1560-201X Journal of Remote Sensing and Environment, 1998, Vol.2

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the above mentioned results it is concluded that the TM data are suitable for detailed mapping and monitoring of the forest of Chittagong Forest Division and adjacent hill areas. The forest map produced using the TM data of March 1990 and October 1991 shows the spatial distribution of various forest types with high accuracy. The maps and the statistical information would be very useful for the Forest Department and the planners to manage the forest and undertake the effective plantation plans. It may further be concluded that the TM data for the winter period is not optimal for final mapping and monitoring over the region when some of the species shed their leaves. It is more preferable that the data of successive months or seasons be used for more reliable interpretations and mapping of the forest areas.

Knowledge Management: Journal