Methodology
The methodology adopted was Visual, Digital and Hybrid method for Remote Sensing data analysis. IRS 1C/1D LISS - III FCCs were used for visual interpretation for the classification of vegetation in the entire GIR – P.A. The standing vegetation had been classified into Six major classes. For mapping Fire scars digital analysis of IRS data had been used for the years 1990, 1991, 1997 and 1998. The methodology is shown schematically in the chart below.
Methodology for Forest Fire Risk Area Mapping
The basic themes generated for modeling the fire risk zone were:
- Fire Occurrence Maps for three or more seasons
- Classified Vegetation Map (two seasons)
- Road and Rail Network including forest roads
- Maximum and Minimum Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Rain fall data
- Admin. Boundaries – Forest Blocks/compartments.
- Rivers, Streams and Waterbodies.
Vegetation Classes
- Riverain Dense Forest
- Moist Deciduous good density
- Dry Deciduous good density
- Dry Deciduous open Forest
- Dry Deciduous Mixed (Degraded)
- Scrub/Grass Land (Vidis)
It is observed that Very High and High Risk zones are mostly at the fringe of the Protected Area or with in 100m of the roads passing through the region with temperatures above 40oc and Humidity less than 35%. It is observed that most of the fringe areas of the forest are facing frequent fire occurrences. So, it is very clear that biotic interference plays vital role in fire occurrence.
Apart from human interference, the analysis has also shown that Vegetation type and meteorological parameters have vital importance for hazard
zonation.
Based on analysis carried out, a fire risk area map showing the Very high risk to No risk areas have been demarcated which will help the Forest Officials to take precautionary measures for controlling the fire occurrence. It also helps for the deployment of fire fighting equipment to those spots having high risk or to setup the watch towers for keeping constant vigilance over the area.
Referances
- Forest Fire Monitoring Using High Temporal Resolution Remote Sensing Data And Gis Techniques - A Case Study In Gir Forest
(Sasan) - K.L.N. Sastry et. La.
- Forest Fire in Central Himalaya : An extent, direction and spread using IRS
LISS-I data (Int.Jour. Remote Sensing, 1998, Vol.19, No.12) M.M.Kimothi and R.N.Jadhav
- Baseline Mapping Of GIR PA - Gujarat, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques - An Interim Report - R.N.Jadhav et. La.
- “Application of GIS in Identification of Fire Prone Areas - A Feasibility Study in Parts of Junagadh (Gujarat)” (The Indian Forester Vol. 124, No. 07, July 1998)
By A.K. Kandya, M.M.Kimothi, R.N. Jadhav and J.P. Agarwal
- “Forest Fire Monitoring Using Remote Sensing and GIS” GEOMATICS - 98 (Abstract) By
K.L.N. Sastry et. La.
- ISG NEWSLETTER- Vol. 04, November 2 , News item - “Forest Fire Monitoring Using High Temporal Resolution Remote Sensing Data and GIS Techniques”
By K.L.N. Sastry
- Forest Fire Prone Area Mapping - Acase study GIR P.A. (a technical report) by R.N.
Jadhav, K.L.N.Sastry, A.K. Kandya, P.S. Thakker and M.M. Kimoti