Rao, D.P.
development land and water resources. Various steps involved are described
hereunder :
8.2.1 Generation of Thematic Maps
To begin with, the watershed boundaries were taken from the published
Watershed Atlas (All India Soil and Land Use Survey,1990). Further divisions
within each watershed in terms of sub-watershed, mini- watershed, and micro-
watershed were made following the guidelines laid down by the All India Soil and
Land Use Survey (1991). Thematic maps on hydrogeomorphological condition,
soil resources and present land use/land cover have been generated through
systematic visual interpretation and/digital analysis of IRS-IA/B LISS-II
multispectral data with 36.25m resolution in conjunction with the collateral
information supported by adequate ground truth. The information, thus derived,
on lithology of the area and geomorphic features therein was used to infer
ground water potential of each lithological unit based on geomorphic features
and recharge conditions. Soil resources map of the area was prepared by
delineating sub-divisions within each geo-morphic units based on erosion status,
land use/land cover and image elements, namely colour, texture, shape, pattern,
association, etc. Soil composition of each geomorphic unit was defined by
studying the typical soil profiles in the field and classifying them upto series level
according to Soil Taxonomy (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1998) based on
morphological characteristics and chemical analyses data. In addition, derivative
maps, namely land capability and land irrigability were generated from the
information on soils and terrain conditions based on criteria laid down by All
India Soil and Land Use Survey (1970). Besides, land use/land cover maps were
prepared using monsoon (kharif) and winter (rabi) crop growing seasons and
summer period satellite data, and single-cropped and double-cropped areas
apart from other land use/land cover categories were delineated. Furthermore,
micro watersheds and water bodies were delineated and the drainage network
have also been mapped.
Slope maps showing various slope categories were prepared based on contour
information (20m contour interval) available at 1:50,000 scale Survey of India
topographical maps. Road network and the location and extent of settlements
were also taken from topographical sheets. Demographic and socio-economic
data were analysed to generate information on population density, tribal
population, literacy status, economic backwardness and the availability of basic
amenities.
8.2.2 Generation of Action Plan
Generation of action plan involves a careful study of thematic maps on land and
water resources both individually as well as in combination to identify various
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International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000.