Article abstracts

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMATICS AND GEOSCIENCES

VOLUME 1, NO 2 - 2010

ABSTRACTS

Spatial Analysis of Rainfall Variation in Coimbatore District Tamilnadu using GIS

Author(s)-Ishappa Muniyappa Rathod , Aruchamy.S

ABSTRACT
Among the climatic elements the rainfall is the first index, ever thought of by farmers and climatic analyzers as it is the most important single factor which determines the cropping pattern of an area in general and the type of crop to be cultivated and its success or failure in particular. Therefore, the present study deals the rainfall characteristics of the Coimbatore District, which includes the spatial distribution and variability through different seasons, precipitation ratio and frequency occurrences. The study is based on 49 years of the monthly rainfall data for 33 rain gauge stations. While analyzing the long term average of monthly and annual rainfall, the annual rainfall of the district is 1242 mm, of which the winter, summer, southwest and northeast monsoon record 2.07, 14.97, 46.13 and 36.83 mm respectively. The station Upper Niradam receives the highest rainfall of 4655 mm whereas Krishnapuram records the lowest of 414 mm. The annual variability ranges from 21.16 percent to 52.28 percent. The south, southwest and northwestern parts of the district experience the heavy rainfall whereas the least rainfall areas are the east, northeast and southeastern parts of the district.

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Impacts of Climate, Topograpy and Weathearing profile on Hydrogeology and Water Resources Assesment in Semi-Arid Terrain. Using Earth Observation -1 ALI, ASTER-DEM and GIS techniques

Author(s)-G. Balamurugan, Dr. S. Rajendran, V.Tirukumaran

ABSTRACT
The demands of growing populations in semi-arid regions feed a continual need to locate new groundwater resources and to explore other unconventional water supply options. Locating groundwater is especially critical as such regions are normally characterized by low and highly variable rainfall, high temperatures, low humidity, high rates of potential evapotranspiration and the near absence of permanent surface water. The purpose of this study is to the use of space technology and Geographic Information System GIS, which are applied to identify the hard rock aquifer characteristics in Semi-arid terrain. The study area is highly fractured and undulating crystalline terrain.  Hence, satellite images of Landsat 7 ETM+ and EO-ALI were processed using ERDAS Imagine software, among which the major elements controlling groundwater accumulation and flow were determined. Various digital enhancements and hyperspectral techniques are applied to extract the Litho-Structures, weathering profiles, soil types and land cover types. A combination of Spectral information from Landsat ETM+ data plus spatial information from ASTER-DEM data is used to address the topographical variations in the study area.  All these elements were manipulated in GIS system, and each of them was given a certain rate of effectiveness. Final maps are describing. The research results could provide effective tools for the hydrology research, and support the sustainable water resources development and management in arid regions.

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Spatio-Temporal Change Analysis of Forest Density in Doodhganga Forest Range, Jammu & Kashmir

Author(s) - Majid Farooq, Humayun Rashid

ABSTRACT
The increasing use of satellite remote sensing for civilian use has proved to be the most cost effective means of mapping and monitoring environmental changes in terms of vegetation and non-renewable resources, especially in developing countries. Data can be obtained as frequently as required to provide information for determination of quantitative and qualitative changes in terrain. The ever increasing population is increasingly changing forest to the other unsuitable applications such as: agriculture, providing energy and fuel, million of hectares from this natural resource are destroyed every year and the remainder of the surfaces change quantitatively and qualitatively. For better management of the forests, the change of forest area and rate of forest density should be investigated. It is possible that there isn’t any change in the area of forest during the time but the density of forest is changed. Therefore, in this research the method of Forest Density Mapping has been developed and tested in an area, which is located in the Northern part of India. For this, TM & LISS – III images from different dates are used. At first, the forest density map was prepared by using Supervised Classification for two images. Then, the changing of the area and forest density during these periods was distinguished.

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Identification of Urban Sprawl Pattern for Madurai Region Using GIS

Author(s) - Saravanan.P, Ilangovan.P

ABSTRACT
The present study focuses on the nature and pattern of urban expansion of Madurai city over its surrounding region during the period from 1991 to 2006. Based on its proximity to the Madurai city, the rural urban fringe was fragmented into two zones namely Ring I and Ring II. Subsequently, two sample villages from the respective zones were selected to study the pattern of urban expansion and there from identify the factor responsible for the urban sprawl of Madurai city. The study has indicated that road transport was solely responsible for the rapid urban development in the sample villages. In addition, GIS based analysis of the pattern of urban expansion over the demographic change and landuse modifications has also indicated that urban growth has mainly taken place linearly along the major roads in the study area. 

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Land use and land cover change detection through remote sensing approach: A case study of Kodaikanal taluk, Tamil nadu

Author(s) - Prakasam.C

ABSTRACT
Land use and land cover is an important component in understanding the interactions of the human activities with the environment and thus it is necessary to be able to simulate changes. Empirical observation revealed a change in land use land cover classification in Kodaikanal taluk, a part of Western Ghats located in Tamilnadu state.  In this paper an attempt is made to study the changes in land use and land cover in Kodaikanal Taluk over 40 years period (1969-2008). The study has been done through remote sensing approach using SOI Taluk map of Kodaikanal (1969), and Land Sat imageries of May 2003 and April 2008. The land use land cover classification was performed based on the Survey of India Kodaikanal Taluk map and Satellite imageries. GIS software is used to prepare the thematic maps. Ground truth observations were also performed to check the accuracy of the classification. The present study has brought to light that forest area that occupied about 70 per cent of the Taluk’s area in 1969 has decreased to 33 per cent in 2008. Agricultural land, Built up area, Harvested land and Waste land also have experienced change. Built-up lands (Settlement) have increased from 3 per cent to 21 per cent of the total area. Kodaikanal area is identified as one of the bio-diversity area in India. Proper land use planning is essential for a sustainable development of Kodaikanal Taluk.

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Remote Sensing and GIS Applications on Change Detection Study in Coastal Zone Using Multi Temporal Satellite Data

Author(s) - Prabaharan.S,Srinivasa Raju.K, Lakshumanan.C,Ramalingam.M.

ABSTRACT
Coastal zones are most vulnerable for land use changes in this rapid industrialization and urbanization epoch.  It is necessary to evaluate land use – land cover changes to develop efficient management strategies.  The main Information on landuse/landcover in the form of maps and statistical data is very vital for spatial planning, management and utilization of land.  In the study, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) were used in order to study landuse/landcover changes.  Land use changes may influence many natural phenomena and ecological processes, including runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation and soil conditions.  The urban areas are changing due to various human activities, natural conditions and development activities.  According to the user’s requirements, updating of landuse mapping is required to various departments.  The aims of this study it has been observed that the important coastal land use types of Vedaranniyam coast (Creeks, Rivers) have been reduced drastically in their extent due to reclamation, dredging, tipping and other anthropogenic activities along the coastal zone. 

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Estimation of above ground biomass in Indian tropical forested area using multi-frequency DLR-ESAR data

Author(s) - Vyjayanthi Nizalapur, Chandra Sekhar Jha and Rangaswamy Madugundu

ABSTRACT
This paper presents experimental results obtained with DLR-ESAR airborne data in C, L and P-bands over the parts of Gujarat, India. The aim is to estimate the above ground biomass and quantify various levels of above ground forest biomass with the help of empirical relationship of the backscattering coefficients and ground inventory. Extensive field data were collected to characterize forest vegetation parameters in the plots. Ground inventory data viz., GBH, tree height was collected. Plot level above ground tree biomass (AGB) is estimated from the collected ground data using the existing allometric equations at stand level in the study area. Regression analysis is carried out between above ground biomass and backscatter coefficient of C, L and P- bands in VV polarization. The obtained regression equation was used to estimate the above ground biomass from ESAR data in C, L and P- bands. Results showed that with increase in the biomass levels, backscattering coefficient also increases and C-band ESAR data is capable of predicting biomass up to 70 Mg/ha, L-band upto 150 Mg/ha and P-band upto 200 Mg/ha. Comparison of the estimated above ground biomass of airborne microwave DLR-ESAR data in C, L and P-bands was also carried out.

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Morphometric Analysis of Gostani River Basin in Andhra Pradesh State, India Using Spatial Information Technology

Author(s) - Nageswara Rao.K,Swarna Latha.P , Arun Kumar.P ,Hari Krishna.M

ABSTRACT
Spatial information technology (SIT) i.e. remote sensing (RS), geographical information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) has proved to be an efficient tool in delineation of drainage pattern and water resources management and its planning. GIS and image processing techniques have been adopted for the identification of morphological features and analyzing their properties of the Lower Gostani River Basin (LGRB) area in Andhra Pradesh state, India. The basin morphometric parameters such as linear and aerial aspects of the river basin were determined and computed. The area is occupied by 96% khondalite group (quartz-feldspar-garnetsillimanite-gneiss) of rocks. It is 7th order drainage basin and drainage pattern mainly in sub-dendritic to dendritic type. It is observed that the drainage density value is low which indicates the basin is highly permeable subsoil and thick vegetative cover. The circularity ratio value reveals that the basin is strongly elongated and highly permeable homogenous geologic materials. This study would help the local people to utilize the resources for sustainable development of the basin area.

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Study on Hyperspectral Signatures for Magnetite Iron ore in Thattayengerpet region of Trichirappalli district in Tamil Nadu State, India. 

Author(s)- Raja.S, Rajendran.S, Poovalinga Ganesh.B, Thirunavukkarasu.A

ABSTRACT

Reflectance spectroscopy of natural surfaces is sensitive to specific chemical bonds in materials, whether solid, liquid or gas. Spectroscopy has the advantage of being sensitive to both crystalline and amorphous materials, unlike some diagnostic methods, like X-ray diffraction. The advantage of spectroscopy is that it is too sensitive to small changes in the chemistry and/or structure of a material. Variations in material composition often cause shifts in the position and shape of absorption bands in the spectrum. Spectroscopy brings also the advantage of allowing us to obtain more details about the chemistry of our natural environment based on the reflectance characteristics. In the present work Study on Hyperspectral Signatures for Magnetite Iron ore exposed in the Thattayangerpet area of Trichirappalli district in Tamil Nadu State, India have been undertaken. Geologically this litho unit belongs to the high grade polymetamorphic terrain of the Southern peninsular shield. Hyperspectral signature were collected in the laboratory from Magnetite Iron ore samples using ASD Spectroradiometer operating in visible and infrared (325 to 2500 nm) region. The analysis of the spectral profiles was conducted using the ASD View spec software and the output in the form of spectral reflectance averages and graphs was exported in an ascii format for further analysis. The exported data was then imported to Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI) software and used as using endmember spectra plot for detailed analysis and interpretation. The average of seven spectral profiles and compared with the spectral library like this USGS, JPL, and JHU. The result of analysis for Magnetite Iron ore is best matched between laboratory hyperspectral signature and laboratory hyperspectral signature and their absorption peak 0.9-1.0µm.

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Suitable site determination for urban solid waste disposal using GIS and Remote sensing techniques in Kottayam Municipality, India.

Author(s)- Nishanth.T, Prakash M.N, Vijith.H

ABSTRACT
Solid waste management is a global environmental problem in today’s world. There is an increase in commercial, residential and infrastructure development due to the population growth and this has negative impact on the environment. Urban solid waste management is considered as one of the most serious environmental problems confronting municipal authorities in developing countries. One of these impacts is due to location of dumping site in unsuitable areas. This paper deals with determination of suitable site for the disposal of urban solid waste generated from Kottayam Municipality and surrounding areas using GIS techniques.

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Evolution of Vaigai Delta, Tamilnadu, India (East Coast) During Quaternary

Author(s)- Prabakaran.K, Anbarasu.K

ABSTRACT
The present study aims to study the geomorphology, sea level changes and evolution of landforms and sedimentary plains of the Vaigai Delta, Tamilnadu, India.  Remote sensing, sedimentological and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques were employed to achieve the objectives of the study.  Aerial photos in the scale 1:50,000 and IRS 1D LISS III satellite images were interpreted to study the landforms.  A detailed field survey was conducted for observing the interrelation between landforms and for morphometric analysis.  The synthesis of the landforms of the delta suggests that the delta development has been influenced mainly by the fluvial and tectonic processes along with the Quaternary sea level oscillation. The occurrence of paleo deltas of Vaigai observed both in the North and south of the present river course indicates both the switching process of the delta and avulsion process of the river.  The results of the study indicate that the sea had transgressed over the delta twice in Quaternary, the first around 125,000 years BP and the second around 6000years BP. These sea level changes had induced the fluvial system to change it regime of sedimentation causing switching of delta building.  Neotectonic processes have also induced the shifting of riverine process at several time during the Quaternary.

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Tribal Area Development Planning of Chintapalli Block, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India:  Using GIS and Remote Sensing Approach

Author(s)- Prakasam. C , Kartic Kumar , Sunam Chatterjee

ABSTRACT
Tribal area Developmental planning implies prudent use of all the natural resources to ensure optimum and sustained productivity. In this approach the basic unit of development is a watershed, which is a manageable hydrological unit and the development is not just confined to agricultural lands alone, but covers the area, starting from the highest point of the area to the outlet of the natural stream. This calls for maintaining the fragile balance between productivity functions and conservation practices through monitoring and identification of problem areas and implementation of location specific development plans. Reliability of the data bases, both the spatial and non-spatial, is therefore crucial to the success of the developmental planning. Equally important is the timely inflow of information to serve planning needs. Satellite based remote sensing has emerged as a powerful tool for planning watershed developmental programmes. Further, Geographic Information System (GIS) is required for integration of different thematic resources. Geographic Information System is an analytical tool capable to perform storing, spatial operations, spatial queries, data linkages, data matching and output generation. Thus, in the present study, the latest technologies such as remote sensing and GIS are employed for generation of tribal area development planning of chintapalli block of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh State.

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Light Minerals, XRD and SEM Studies in the depositional environments between Tuticorin and Thiruchendur, South East Coast of India, Tamil Nadu

Author(s)- Suresh Gandhi.M, Solai.A, Chandrasekar.N

ABSTRACT
Indian coastal region is subjected to complex coastal process and boasts multifarious landforms. IN order to know the depositional environmental conditions and provenance an attempt has been made suing light mineral studies. The investigated area is located in the coastal track of southern Tamil Nadu. The coastal stretch between Tuticorin and Thiruchendur, Gulf of Mannar extends over a distance of about 60 kms. The result shows that the higher percentage of microcrystalline quartz is characteristics of all the study regions. The sub rounded to rounded grade is dominant in Tuticorin zone where as the sub-angular grade is predominant in Thiruchendur zone. Higher order of sphericity is noticed in Tuticorin zone which implies the concentration of sediments from paleoenvironment along with present day marine environments. From SEM studies, the depositional environment can be categorized in terms physical and chemical energy gradients. Moreover, the study of quartz grains has pointed to the source of sediments , i.e. both igneous and metamorphic crystalline rocks transported some considerable distance from a mixed source, in addition to paleosedimetns, which littoral process have carried  to beaches from different sources.

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A Semi – Distributed Water Balance Model for Amaravathi River Basin using Remote Sensing and GIS

Author(s)- Jenifa Latha.C, Saravanan.S, Palanichamy.K

ABSTRACT
Sustainable water management in a river basin requires knowledge of the water availability and water requirements of the basin in the present and future for various purposes. The complexity of the water system in the region can be understood by calculating the regional water balance in a distributed scale considering the factors that affect it.  Water balance is defined as the net change in water, taking into account all the inflows to and outflows from a hydrologic system. Spatial variation due to distributed land-use, soil texture, topography, groundwater level, and hydrometeorological conditions should be accounted for in the water balance estimation. However, conventional spatially and temporally lumped estimates of water balance do not help much in the planning and development of water resources in the water shed. This is an important and current issue in the socially and economically valuable Amaravathi River Basin of Tamil Nadu.  In this study, a spatially semi-distributed water balance model was developed to simulate mean monthly hydrological processes using landuse, soil texture, topography, and hydrometeorological data as input parameters in the Amaravathi River Basin, a semiarid region of Tamil Nadu in India. It is a physically based methodology for estimation of the average spatial distribution of water balance components. This model can be applicable in a public domain which can facilitate decision making. The water balance model is developed using SCS – CN (Soil Conservation Service – Curve Number) model to derive the runoff component and FAO-PM (Food and Agriculture Organization – Penman Monteith) model to derive the evapotranspiration component spatially with the help of remote sensing and GIS techniques.

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Spatio - Temporal Analysis of Land Use in Fringe Area using GIS - a Case Study of Madurai City, Tamil Nadu

Author(s)- Manonmani I.K.

ABSTRACT
Urbanization is one of the most powerful socio-economic components of the modern society. It is a dynamic force since it undergoes considerable spatial and temporal variations. In cities like Madurai this variation is more pronounced in the peripheral areas due to rapid horizontal expansion which has outpaced the vertical expansion of the city. In addition,   the rapid growth of India which has triggered the infrastructure development like modern highways, proliferation of more automobiles etc. facilitates such horizontal expansion of the city and more and more people were found to shift from agricultural to non-agricultural occupation. Hence, it is logical to expect that a proper utilization of land in the fringe areas is basic for effective urban planning. Hence, in the present study an attempt has been made to study the fringe areas; particularly their land use modifications.

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