Application of remote sensing methods for assessment of anthropogenic transformation of rangelands

Abstract

Capabilities of the remote sensing methods for making maps of actual and potential vegetation, and assessment of the extent of anthropogenic transformation of rangelands are presented in the paper. Study area is a large intermountain depression, which is under intensive agricultural use. Color photographs have been made by Aircraft camera Wild Heerburg RC-30 and multispectral scanner Daedalus (AMS) digital aerial data (6 bands, 3.5m resolution) have been used for analysis of distribution and assessment of the state of vegetation. Digital data were processed using specialized program ENVI 3.0. Main stages of the development of cartographic models have been described: initial processing of the aerial images and their visualization, preliminary pre-field interpretation (classification) of the images on the basis of unsupervised automated classification, field studies (geobotanical records and GPS measurements at the sites chosen at previous stage). Post-field stage had the following sub-stages: final geometric correction of the digital images, elaboration of the classification system for the main mapping subdivisions, final supervised automated classification on the basis of expert assessment. By systematizing clusters of the obtained classified image the cartographic models of the study area have been made. Application of the new technology of remote sensing allowed making qualitative and quantitative assessment of modern state of rangelands.