A New Research Tool For Environmental Studies LUT map : Land Use and Topography
L. Kithsiri Perera and Ryutaro Tateishi
Remote Sensing and Image Research Center,
Chiba University, 1-33, Yayoi-cho,
Inage-ku, Chiba, JAPAN
Abstract
Some of the recent developments in Digital Mapping and GIS technology were used to produced a new thematic map. The new map uses different colors and tones to represent Land Use and Topographic (LUT map) features Simultaneously. A test study was conducted using Landsat MSS and Topographic data of southern Sri Lanka. Resulted map and the LUT data vase explain the distribution of five and categories under eight topographic levels, pictorially and numerically. As an example; Open Water area covers only 0.5% of the total Land and 95% of that belongs to area below 91m and almost no water was identified over the 275m level. This kind of detail data structures and the LUT map can be practically more useful in Land suitability assessments and Environmental management programs.
1. Introduction
Maps have long been a major source of information for planners and environmental researchers. Generally, data for making maps are gathered by ground surveys and use aerial photographs to update. With the beginning of the space era, Satellite Remote Sensing has been recognized as an useful, cost effective source of data for maps. At the same time the recent developments in Digital Mapping and other technical devisers have been accelerated the usage of satellite data together with other conventional data sources for the studies which is based on the Geographical Information System (GIS) (Yeh 1991 p.5). scientists believe the digital computer has had a much effect on maps which is equal to influence that made by the intention of the printing press or photograph on map production (Monmonier 1982 p.2). Digital map production procedure may start with the “capturing” or by digitizing information from various maps and image. I digitized data set is converted to numerical form and stored as a data base. This database is easy to store, edit, update and convert to maps and diagrams and these factors are associated with the main advantages of the digital mapping (Mather 1991 p.100).
