India has experienced significant Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LULCC) over the past few decades. In this context, careful observation and mapping of LULCC using satellite data of high to medium spatial resolution is crucial for understanding the long-term usage patterns of natural resources and facilitating sustainable management to plan, monitor and evaluate development. The present study utilizes the satellite images to generate national level LULC maps at decadal intervals for 1985, 1995 and 2005 using onscreen visual interpretation techniques with minimum mapping unit of 2.5 hectares. These maps follow the classification scheme of the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) to ensure compatibility with other global/regional LULC datasets for Remote Sens. 2015, 7 2403 comparison and integration. Our LULC maps with more than 90% overall accuracy highlight the changes prominent at regional level, i.e., loss of forest cover in central and northeast India, increase of cropland area in Western India, growth of peri-urban area, and relative increase in plantations. We also found spatial correlation between the cropping area and precipitation, which in turn confirms the monsoon dependent agriculture system in the country. On comparison with the existing global LULC products (GlobCover and MODIS), it can be concluded that our dataset has captured the maximum cumulative patch diversity frequency indicating the detailed representation that can be attributed to the on-screen visual interpretation technique. Comparisons with global LULC products (GlobCover and MODIS) show that our dataset captures maximum landscape diversity, which is partly attributable to the on-screen visual interpretation techniques. We advocate the utility of this database for national and regional studies on land dynamics and climate change research. The database would be updated to 2015 as a continuing effort of this study.

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Growing cities are creating an alarming situation in all countries of the world. It has led to serious land use problems such as loss of agricultural land, unauthorized urban sprawl, high land values, speculation in land, and other related problems. In this emerging scenario, it is essential to have updated information on urban growth patterns and their impact on the living environment. Growth and development of these cities are likely to continue and therefore there will be a need for proper planning and managing or improving the existing infrastructure facilities. This study demonstrates image fusion of LISS-IV MX and Cartosat-1 satellite data to create detailed town planning and utility mapping for amenity patterns and facilities available in Karaikal city, India. Road patterns within the city are analyzed and a road network map is generated. A proximity analysis was carried out to understand the availability of institutions, hospitals, and industries for effective disaster management. Karaikal has grown rapidly in all directions especially in north, northwest and west parts. A big question for planners is the provision of proper amenities. Using geographic information system and remote sensing, city administrators can now evolve an expert decision support system aimed at various decisionmaking processes.

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