GIS Applications in Forestry
GIS applications in forestry in India is the indispensable method by means of which the total forest area in India is measured.
Digital mapping has brought about a revolutionary change in the entire Geographical Information System (GIS). The rudimentary method of depending on paper maps has been changed and at present, one depends on digital maps, which in fact have been playing a significant role in the monitoring and management of the forests.
The Geographical Information System, Global Positioning System, and Remote Sensing are important technological applications used in various areas of life in today's era of modern communication.
The GIS Applications in forestry has come up with excellent results in the decision making in the field level. There are different types of GIS Applications in forestry, such as -
The modern day use of digital maps is more user friendly than the paper maps, as there is enough space for corrections and modifications within the digital maps. For preparing digital maps, one has to count upon aerial photography and satellite imageries. Nevertheless, the main drawback regarding the GIS applications in forestry is that the applications are more used further for preparing working plans and making thematic maps.
Some other useful purposes for which GIS applications in forestry can be used are the selection of locations for plantation or for supervising the ongoing danger of encroachments. Moreover, issues like burning of forests and 'jhum' cultivation can be regulated. The expansion of infrastructure and communication networks are also taken care of by GIS applications. Managing the forests and village are also aided by these applications.
Digital mapping has brought about a revolutionary change in the entire Geographical Information System (GIS). The rudimentary method of depending on paper maps has been changed and at present, one depends on digital maps, which in fact have been playing a significant role in the monitoring and management of the forests.
The GIS Applications in forestry has come up with excellent results in the decision making in the field level. There are different types of GIS Applications in forestry, such as -
- Supervising of afforestation plans
- Monitoring of plantation schemes
- Corridor mapping for animal migration
- Habitat mapping
- Land capability mapping
The modern day use of digital maps is more user friendly than the paper maps, as there is enough space for corrections and modifications within the digital maps. For preparing digital maps, one has to count upon aerial photography and satellite imageries. Nevertheless, the main drawback regarding the GIS applications in forestry is that the applications are more used further for preparing working plans and making thematic maps.
Some other useful purposes for which GIS applications in forestry can be used are the selection of locations for plantation or for supervising the ongoing danger of encroachments. Moreover, issues like burning of forests and 'jhum' cultivation can be regulated. The expansion of infrastructure and communication networks are also taken care of by GIS applications. Managing the forests and village are also aided by these applications.