Urban Sprawl Assessment In The Mount Makiling Forest Reserve Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technologies
Discussion of Results
Lansat TM images (19920 was first evaluated and compared to the existing land use map of 1991. Encroachment of small area sin the reserve periphery was detected. From the SPOT (1993). Patches of settlements denoted by pinkish in color begin to cluster near the urban canters. Small clearings can also be noted on some portion of the forest slopes . some areas, which were grasslands prior to 1993 have been converted into forest plantations. Vegetation in areas near the peak already have signs of unhealthy trees can be observed near the fringes and in deep slopes.
Since both images (Landsat TM and SPOT ) cannot fairly exhibits slope deterioration the use of the radar image (TOPSAR) was analyzed, and observed some changes near the mouth of the drainage system.
An analysis of ht image classification results differed considerably because of the length of period these images were taken. The settlement pattern in the reserve appears to length of period these images were taken. The settlement pattern in the reserve appears to exhibit an irregular behavior near the fringes of the reserve. Areas of settlements near the roads have experienced changes, more particularly converted to industrial use, compared to other areas in the reserve .
Road improvements projects being undertaken by local government units surrounding the reserve lave the was for real-estate firms to develop the area into housing subdivisions. Notable changes were detected with in area inside the reserve. Small-scale developments such as upland and recreation parks and continue to flourish.
The major changes that were observed mostly were areas formerly occupied by grasses being converted into residential use. These developments can be observed near the areas with steeper slopes especially adjoining the main thoroughfare. Other changes detected were conversion from forest to agricultural use. There are some areas where developments were reversed; i.e from cultivated to grassland, and from grassland to forest plantation. This can be denoted by roads being closed for public use as well as reforestation.
Conclusion
The integration of various images to detect settlement intrusion in the forest reserve areas is possible and yields fair results . changes detection is significantly improved image-fusion and GIS technologies. This approach is a very helpful tool in decision support system and for urban growth management.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to acknowledge the following entities for the fulfillment of this paper.
Mount Makiling Reserve Area and Languna de Bay Commission
ENVI v 3.0-Research system, Inc .
References
- Lillesand and Kiefer (1994) Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, 3rd ed. Wiley, New York, 743 pp.
- Cruz, R.V., et Al., 1991 Agrosystem Analysis of Makiling Forest Reserve, UP Los Banos, Laguna
- Torres, C.S. and E.N. Rebugio 1991 Census of household Occupants in Makiling Forest Reserve, UP Los Banos, Laguna.
