Monitoring mangrove distribution and changes in Mekong delta, Vietnam using remote sensing approach

Abstract

This study provides the capability of mapping, monitoring distribution and changes of regional mangroves using remote sensing data. The study area located in Mekong delta, Vietnam. Landsat ETM+ and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to enhance the discrimination between mangrove and non-mangrove forests and MAD technique was used to assess the changes in the mangrove cover in study area. Results showed that information from satellite remote sensing can play a useful role in determining the changes in land area and mangrove cover in Mekong Delta, especially mangrove forests has been significantly reduced in Tra Vinh province during 2000-2005.