Cadastral Level Resources Information System for Kundapallam (Kd1) watershed in the Nilgiris district using Remote Sensing, GPS and GIS


Data source and methodology
Aerial photographs on 1:8000 scale taken during 1996 IRS IC LISS III, PAN data, the coresponding SOI topographical maps of the area and other collateral data have been used in this study.

The methodology used consists of the following types
  • Ground Control Survey using GPS and generation of orthophotos on 1: 5000 scale, DEM and contour maps at 5m countour interval.
  • Visual Interpretation of Orthophots, Satellite data and preparation of various thematice maps, collection of cadastral maps and bringing it to 1: 5000 scale.
Generating digital database from thematic maps and integration and preparing action plans.



Thematic maps

Landuse map
Landuse / Landcover map for the area has been prepared using 1:5000 scale orthophotos and IRS 1C PAN data.

Following categories of landuse classes were identified.
  • Annual crop
  • Tea/ Coffee
  • Evergreen / Semi evergreen / Sholoa forest
  • Degraded forest
  • Forest plantation
  • Land with or without scrub
  • Barren rocky / out crops
  • Grass land
Slope map
Slope map was prepared using ArcView 3D Analyst from 5 m intervel contours derived by photogrammetric techniques. Originaly nine groups were identified and the same were regrouped as given below.
  • 0 – 10% Nearly level to moderately sloping
  • 10 – 33% Moderately to steep sloping
  • > 33% Very Steep sloping
Soil Map
The soil map also has been prepared using the Orthophotos and updated using IRS1-C LISS III satellite data based on the tone, texture and pattern.

Soil survey method include (i) dentification of kind of Soil (ii) Description of kind of soil (iii) Classification of the same (iv) mapping their extent and distribuion on the standard scale base map.

Cadastral map
Cadastral maps on 1:7920 scale showing individual parcel boundary are available with Survey and Land records department. They are collected and converted to 1:5000 scale and digitized using PC based Arc/Info GIS. Further all the attribute datas such as owners name, survey number,soil quality etc had also been stored into the system.

Data Integration
All the above thematic maps were digitized using PC based Arc/Info GIS software. The thematic maps pertaining to the watersheds were registered and labelled and after assigning suitable rank and weightage, overlay analysis were carriedout and the action plans for land resources were generated. Cadstral maps showing the parcel boundaries were superimposed on the thematic maps.

Action plan
The spatial data for the watershed were intergrated based on the decision rules incorporating the landuse, soil and slope. Due to the hilly terrain, slope play a major role for all activities. Based on the different slope classes, the land suitablity are classified as follows:
  • Slope class – 1 (0-10%) suitable for annual crops
  • Slope class – 2 (10-33%) suitable for tea/agricultural plantations
  • Slope class – 3 (>33%) suitable for forest /grassland / permanent tree cover.< /li>< /li>
Decision rules for each landuse category with respect to the corresponding slope class, rank and weightages were assigned. After assigning suitable ranks and weightage, overlay analysis was carriedout using Arc/Info GIS software for action plan generation. The analysis clearly brought out the following.
  • Areas whose landuse practices are tune with the slope and thus need not be altered
  • Areas to be conserved / preserved
  • Areas whose landuse practices are not in tune with slope and need to be altered/modified suitability.
Attribute data like population (male/female), SC/ST populatin, literacy level, cattle population, location of primary health centre, veterneary Dispancery, educational institutions etc were also included in the database.

Conclusion
The study has shown that fragile eco-system of the Nilgiris district is under threat due to improper land use practices, human activities, land slides and enevironment of forest. The analysis has brought out the areas whose landuse practices are in tune with the slope and thus need not be altered, area to be altered and area to be preserved.

The cadastral database created in user friendly and interactive. The Remote Sensing , GIS and GPS have been found to be very effective and economical tool for resources management.

Acknowledgement The authors wish to acknowledge the help and encouragement of the Vice Chancellor, Anna University and the project Director, Hill Area Development Programme, Ooty for sponsoring the project.

References
  • Bitter –P., 1997 Application of GIS and Remote Sensing in planning for mountain agriculture and landuse management Vol.5 Project manual, Katmondu. ICIMOD.
  • Storns, D.M and E stes U.E.,1993, A Remote Sensing Research Agenda for mapping and monitoring Bio-diversity, International of Remote Sensing 1993, Vol - 14 No-10, PP 1839-1860
  • A report an assesment of Eco-Degradation in the Nilgiris of Western Ghats 1986, By Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna Univerity, Chennai.
  • V. Kandasamy 1986, Hydrological study of Watersheds in Nilgiris district, Institute of Remote Sensig, Anna University, Chennai.
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