International Archives of Photogrammetiy and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXII Part 7C2, UNISPACE III, Vienna. 1999 
33 
I5PR5 
vgsv 
UNISPACE in - ISPRS Workshop on 
“Resource Mapping from Space” 
9:00 am -12:00 pm, 22 July 1999, VIC Room B 
Vienna, Austria 
I5PR5 
delineation of lithological boundaries - an important element in 
soil resources mapping. 
Apart from superv ised classification of digital multispectral data, 
new classification algorithms like fuzzy logic, artificial neural 
network, etc. have been developed which help refining the 
information generated on natural resources using Gaussian 
maximum likelihood per-pixel classifier. Further, using advanced 
image fusion techniques like Intensity, Hue and Saturation (IHS) 
transformation, further refinement in the information on natural 
resources could be made. Similarly, for monitoring changes that 
have taken place in natural resources either due to developmental 
programs or land degradation, image differencing and principal 
component analysis have been successfully used for objective 
assessment of such clianges. 
Hitherto, only optical sensor data with a few broad spectral 
bands have been used to generate base line information on 
natural resources. The hvper-spectral remote sensing with a 
potential to provide diagnostic capability of some natural 
features like minerals, vegetation, etc. will help refining the 
information generated on natural resources. 
Imaging the terrain in the presence of smoke, haze and cloud 
cover lias been the major limitation of the optical sensor data. 
The microwave data with day-and-night observation; and 
cloud/haze/smoke penetration capability hold very good promise 
for generating information on crop coverage, floods, etc. during 
monsoon season. The polarimetric images generated from 
microwave energy with different polarization provide further 
insight into structure and flourishes of vegetation, soil properties 
and parent material (Skidmore et al. 1997). Further, radar 
interferometry is yet another tool that enables generating DEM 
which allows monitoring glaciers, volcanic eruption, mine 
subsidence, mud slips, etc. Integration of information on natural 
resources, socio-economic and climatic conditions and other 
related ancillary' information in a holistic manner for prescribing 
locale-specific intervention for a given area is very crucial. 
Geographic Information System (GIS) along with tire 
measurements made with Global Positioning System(GPS) 
digital photogrammetiy. offers the capability of integrating 
spatial and attribute data and subsequent generation of action 
plan/developmental plan for sustainable development. 
8. INDIAN EXPERIENCE 
Having realized the importance of integrated approach for 
sustainable development, the Department of Space, Government 
of India in collaboration with the State Governments had 
initiated pilot studies in 21 districts covering 203,000 sq. km. 
and representing diverse terrain, agro-climatic conditions and 
social and cultural practices apart from very often affected by 
drought, in the year 1987, to find scientific and lasting solution 
to mitigate drought following the unprecedented drought in many 
parts of the country during the period 1985-87. Based on 
encouraging results of the pilot projects, such study was extended 
to another 153 districts covering 549,496 sq. km. and spread 
over in 25 states at the instance of Planning Commission, Govt, 
of India - the highest policy decision making body, under a 
national project titled "Integrated Mission for Sustainable 
Development (IMSD)". For ease of implementation of the action 
plan in phased manner in these selected districts, initially it was 
decided to identify a priority block in each district for the study. 
(A block is an administrative unit covering an area ranging from 
1000-1500 sq. Kin.). Subsequently, 80 blocks spread over in 80 
districts covering 85,339 sq. km. have been selected on a priority- 
basis for taking up such study. 
8.1 Data Base 
For generating information on land and water resources, IRS- 
1A/1B LISS-II data in the form of False Colour Composite 
(FCC) prints at 1:50,000 scale and digital data (Computer 
Compatible Tapes) have been used in conjunction with ancillaiy 
information, namely published reports, thematic maps, etc. and 
adequate field check. Information on slope lias been derived 
from 1:50,000 scale Survey of India topographical maps. For 
appreciation of climate of the area, meteorological data available 
with the India Meteorological Department/respective district or 
taluk (an administrative unit) headquarters have been made use 
of. Besides, information on demographic and socio-economic 
conditions has been taken from the published records by the 
concerned departments. 
8.2 Approach 
The holistic approach essentially involves generation of thematic 
maps on land and water resources and their integration with the 
socio-economic data to arrive at locale-specific prescription for 
land and water resources development (Fig.l). Various steps 
involved are described hereunder: 
8.2.1 Generation of Thematic Maps 
Thematic maps on hydro -geomorphological condition, soil 
resources and present land use/land cover have been generated 
through systematic visual interpretation and/digital analysis of 
IRS-IA/B LISS-H multispectral data (with 36.25m resolution) in 
conjunction with the collateral information supported by 
adequate field check. The information derived on lithology and 
geomorphology of the area along with the structural features and 
recharge conditions was used to infer ground water potential of 
each geomorphic unit. Soil resources map of the area have been 
prepared by delineating sub-divisions w'ithin each geomorphic 
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 typical soil profiles in the field and classifying them up 
to 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 maps were generated based