Forest cover type and landuse mapping using landsat Thematic Mapper False colour Composite a case study for chakrata in western himalayas U.P.

Abstract

In the present study authors have attempted to prepare a forest composition cover type map using landsat Thematic Mapper (T.M.) False colour Composite (F.C.C.) on 1:3n250,000 scale synthesized by combining band 2, 3 & 4 pertaining to study area. Landsat T.M.F.C.C. have been visually interpreted for delineation of forest cover type identified on the basis of tone/colour, texture, pattern & phenology and correlated with geographical location for drawing the final inferences. Limited field checks were done and types identified were correlated at some conspicuous identifiable location on image and ground and the informations were extrapolated for the whole study area. The forested area have been stratified into broad forest composition types as per Champion & Seth’s classification scheme. Temperate forest consisting of Oak forest and Deodar/mixed conifers could easily be separated due to sharp tonal contrast, however sub-tropical Chirpine and Northern tropical miscellaneous forest could be identified after having much correlation with the geographical location. The broad composition types were further classified into two density classes and the area under each category have been worked out using dot grid.