Informatics Publishing Limited

Shashi Kumar ¹, S. H. K. Murti ¹, Rajee George ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Administration Van Sadan, Haddo -744102, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, IN

Abstract

The Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department has started the Andaman and Nicobar Space Application Cell (ANSAC) where geo-database related to various natural resources are developed and updated. Spatial and non-spatial data from various sources like existing management maps, toposheets were digitized and georeferenced. Field survey data, GPS points of important features, etc. were pooled together to develop this geospatial database including thematic maps and data developed by various institutes of national repute are also being used effectively. These database are being used by the Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department for scientific forest management as well as by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for developing various information systems, working plan maps and for planning and policy decision making.

Keywords

Spatial Data, Thematic Maps, Planning Process, Information System.

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Shashi Kumar ¹, S. H. K. Murti ¹, Rajee George ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Administration Van Sadan, Haddo-744102, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, IN

Abstract

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India has 19 species of bamboo and the area available for harvesting is approximately 14000 ha spread throughout the length and breadth of the territory. The bamboo found naturally in the Islands is thin walled and hollow. There is enough demand and scope for growing thick walled solid bamboo in the Islands. The natural bamboo forests are managed scientifically as per the prescription of working plans. The aboriginal tribes living in the Islands also use bamboo for various purposes. The bamboo supports the livelihood of a section of the society involved in bamboo article manufacturing.

Keywords

Bamboo Brakes, Bamboo Plantation, Thin Walled Bamboo, Small Scale Industries, Craftsmen.

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N. S. R. Krishnayya ¹, Binal Christian ¹, Dhaval Vyas ¹, Manjit Saini ¹, Nikita Joshi ¹, K. R. Manjunath ², Tanumi Kumar ², Hitendra Padalia ³, Rajee George ⁴, S. P. S. Kushwaha ³

Affiliations
1 Ecology Laboratory, Department of Botany, The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara 390 002, IN
2 Space Applications Centre, India Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ahmedabad 380 015, IN
3 Forest and Ecology Department, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, ISRO, Dehradun 248 001, IN
4 Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair 744 102, IN

Abstract

Tropical forests are the most diverse and complex terrestrial systems. India is one of the mega diverse countries supporting rich floral diversity coming from diverse climatic conditions spread across the length and breadth of the country. Unique characteristics of these forest covers coupled with immense pressure of human activities make their monitoring essential so as to ensure their long-term sustainability. More reliable evaluation of forest cover can give better inputs to the National Mission for a Green India. Imaging spectroscopy is an appropriate technique to address some of these vital issues. This technique has seen an exponential growth in the past two decades, addressing various forestry applications such as tree species identification, invasive species mapping, monitoring phenology, biophysical and biochemical characterization, to name a few. Data acquisition through imaging spectroscopy can be done across different spatial and spectral ranges according to the needs of the user. The review highlights important measures to be taken in using imaging spectroscopy for forestry studies, specifically in the Indian context. It emphasizes future outlook of the technology for a sustained assessment of tropical forest cover.

Keywords

Forest Cover, Imaging Spectroscopy, Parameter Estimation, Sustained Assessment.

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