Remote Sensing & GIS

A biogeographically representative and effectively managed network of protected areas is an important means of ensuring biodiversity conservation in the country.

However, much remains to be done to assess the physical and ecological conditions of these areas. By utilising remotely sensed data and GIS techniques, it is possible to evaluate such conditions and to help develop eco-development plans for these areas. Such diagnostic studies to identify the frailties of these areas are, thus, of utmost importance to support measures for bringing about improvements through developmental activities.

GIS LAB
The Indira Gandhi Conservation Monitoring Centre has recently upgraded its GIS lab, which is equipped with state of the art technology in Remote Sensing/GIS application.

The IGCMC can support project based mapping/analysis for a wide range of GIS activities, including database development, database quality control, user application development and data maintenance.

The GIS applications is supported by latest software such as geo-
graphic database query and advanced geographic analysis using both spatial and attribute information. These include image processing software such as ERDAS Imagine 8.5 with virtual GIS and Sub Pixel classifier for remote sensing data interpretation, Arc-GIS 8.2 with Arcview 3.2 along with extensions such as 3D analyst, Network analyst, Image analyst, Spatial analyst, Tracking analyst.

For the data input an A"0" size color scanner, A4 size color scanner, A4 size color printer, A"0" size digitizer and 42" plotter are available. The IGCMC has excute several project involving Remote Sensing and GIS mapping application. Over the last few month has capabilities to undertake large-scale GIS projects and services.

The IGCMC is extensively using Geographic Information Systems for providing data on protected areas in the country so that the requisite spatial information becomes available to resource managers and planners. Similar work is being planned for wetlands, degraded forests and other important ecosystems. State of the art hardware and software facilities including image processing software have been set up in the Centre to take up the above mentioned activities.