Determination of horizontal and vertical distribution of tree species in Turkey via Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) satellite data and geographic information system: the case of Crimean pine (Pinus nigra)

Abstract

Forest areas in Turkey are generally spread on rugged terrain and different elevations. Site factors such as location, elevation from sea level, aspect and slope are effective on an ecosystem’s climate, soil characteristics, and hence vegetation. Description of such characteristics will allow for the description of forest ecosystems living on these sites and comparison of such ecosystems to each other. Factors such as elevation, aspect and slope can easily be generated from digital elevation models. In this study, using a digital elevation model obtained from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) satellite data and 1/100,000 scale Forest Information System database, horizontal and vertical distribution of Pinus nigra ( Crimean Pine ), which is geographically the largest spread needled tree species in Turkey, (to elevation classes) was determined and the generated results (map, table etc.) were presented. Key words: Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Geographic Information System (GIS), Forest Information System (FIS), Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Crimean pine.