EVOLVING AN EMPIRICAL METHODOLOGY DOR DETERMINING APPROPRIATE INTERVAL FOR REMOTE SENSING OF A FOREST ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The phenomenon of deforestation has been an environmental threat, and some concerted efforts have been made by researchers to tackle the problem. These generally include mapping of the areas affected, using remote sensing and GIS to display information on the spatial and temporal distributions of the processes. It is however, observed that little or no attempt has been made on the conceptualization of deforestation for better understanding of the problem scenario which can be applied to any forest for effective planning and management. It is in this light that the paper attempted to evolve an innovative mathematical model for establishing appropriate interval for remote sensing of a forest environment, using Afaka Forest Reserve as a case study.


The methodology consists of conceptualizing Afaka Forest Reserve as a tightly stretched string under tension of human - induced deforestation; deriving a mathematical model; and testing it with the assumed error free values of the rate of deforestation computed in each period, using remote sensing imageries of 1962 aerial photographs (B-W); Landsat MSS (1970); Landsat TM (1987); and SPOT (XS) of 1994. The results show that the proper interval for mapping is eight years under ideal condition, followed by nine years interval, irrespective of imageries used.


The uniqueness of this approach, is that it can be applied to any forest or dynamic feature on the earth, and can enjoy universal application as well.


KEY WORDS: Evolving empirical methodology, innovative mathematical model, appropriate interval, remote sensing, forest environment planning and management.


Global Jnl Geological Sciences. Vol.2(1) 2004: 91-99