Identification and quantification of changes in mangrove forest using Remote Sensing - A case study near Kakinada Bay, Andhra Pradesh, India 2.3.3 Methodology: Visual interpretation is carried out by observing the different interpretation elements/keys like tone, texture, shape, association etc.. Limited Ground truth is carried out after the preliminary interpretation. The maps were corrected and finalized after returning from field work. 2.4 Mapping of mangroves and its extent in the study area The IRS - IB, LISS II Imagery dated March,1995 is used for the preparation of landuse / landcover maps on 1:50,000 scale corresponding to Survey of India toposheets 65L/1,L/2,L/5 and L/6. The Landuse/landcover maps are interpreted visually by following the legend prescribed by Department of space under National mission programme . Sequential nature of IRS data provide opportunity to monitor changes in the landuse activities in the mangroves .IRS has been quite extensively used for Mangrove landuse pattern. Both visual and digital analysis of IRS data provided useful information . Limited ground truth is carried out on coastal features such as mangrove forest, fish ponds, saltbeds and other landuses. Information obtained from these flights was used in association with that obtained from IRS data analysis. The following table shows the statistics of various landuse/landcover classes that exists in the study area.
 Figure 2.1  Figure 2.2  Figure 2.3  Figure 2.4 The following table shows the change statistics of various landuse/landcover classes that exists in the study area.
* Aquaculture - Mangrove and the nearby swampy/marshy area is converted to fishponds. * Cropland - Cropland is increased with the corresponding decrease in the scrub area. * Marshy/Swampy area - Marshy/swampy area is increased due to inundation during floods. * Plantation - Some regeneration activities are taking place (Artificial growth of mangrove forests). |