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Mapping wetland cover in the greater Himalayan region: a hybrid method combining multispectral and ecological characteristics
Author
Li Zhuoqing, Xu Jianchu, Rajendra L. Shilpakar and Xing Ma
Year
2014
Journal Title
Environmental Earth Sciences
Institution
Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
Volume
71
Issue
3
Pages
1083-1094
Call Number
JA0528-14
Keywords
Wetland extraction, Hybrid model, High-altitude wetlands/lakes, Greater Himalayan region
Abstract:
In the greater Himalayan region, wetland ecosystems
such as lakes, marshes, and peat lands play an
important role in regulating the flow of major rivers. These
ecosystems are often overlooked and not well represented
on land-use planning and conservation maps. Wetland
complexes are partly ephemeral and difficult to map
accurately either with digital image processing or visual
interpretation. This study developed a hybrid method of
extracting spatial patterns of wetland areas which combines
month-on-month multispectral classifications of Moderate
Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data with a sample
wetland extraction method based on knowledge of the
spectral characteristics of satellite data and wetland ecological
systems. The results were compared with the best
available sources for lakes and wetlands on global and
national scales. It was demonstrated that the method could
extract wetlands automatically to a reasonable degree of
accuracy and, therefore, reduce the need for extensive
ground knowledge. The model was transferred by adjusting
parameters through application of high-resolution satellite
data (Landsat) in some sub-basin areas. These findings are
cognizant with field interviews conducted by wetland
experts. The hybrid method and high-altitude wetlands
maps will provide decision makers with valuable information
about wetland distribution and change in response
to global warming and human activities.
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