AN INTEGRATED COMPARATIVE APPROACH TO MANGROVE VEGETATION MAPPING USING ADVANCED REMOTE-SENSING AND GIS TECHNOLOGIES - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

This study aims to develop an integrated methodology applying Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques for the assessment of the ecological status of mangrove forests. The study area is located at Phangnga Bay, Thailand. Various commonly available remote sensing data are evaluated for mangrove vegetation mapping. The satellite sensors used are covering the visible and infra-red (VIR) spectrum up to the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This study provides recommendations regarding the selection of a single sensor approach or sensor combination that fulfills a minimum requirement for practical mangrove mapping and inventory purposes (e.g. mangrove and non-mangrove areas, varying stocking density, dominant species composition and impact of human activities). Both their technical capabilities and their potentials are presented in correlation with the existing ground conditions.