2.1 GIS and remote sensing
The concept of GIS, remote sensing and GPS
Remote sensing is the process of collecting information about objects or phenomena without direct physical contact, primarily through aerial sensor technologies like satellites and reconnaissance aircraft This technology allows for the detection and analysis of Earth's surface features from a distance, making it a valuable tool for various applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.
Remote sensing is a vital technology that captures objective information about the Earth’s surface and atmospheric phenomena using sensors installed on aircraft, satellites, spacecraft, or orbital stations This advanced technology enables the monitoring and assessment of natural resources and environmental changes over time By recording these changes, remote sensing enhances the effectiveness of environmental monitoring, resource management, and ecological inventory efforts worldwide.
Remote Sensing quickly provides high resolution digital data for the establishment and adjustment of the national mapping system and geographic database
Separation of information in remote sensing can be classified into five categories:
- Classification: is the process of separating and aggregating information based on spectral, spatial and time properties given by picture of objects to be studied
- Dynamic detection: is the detection and operation of fluctuations based on multi-image data time
- Separation of physical quantities: Extraction of natural information such as measurement of temperature, atmospheric state, height of objects based on spectral characteristics or parallax of stereoscopic images
- Separation of indicators: Calculation and determination of new indices
- Identification of natural disasters signs in service of archeological searchers GIS (Geographic Information System) that origin from three concepts geography, information, and system
“Geography”: is related to spatial characteristics They can be physical, cultural, and economic and so on in nature
“Information”: refers to data managed by GIS It is the data about attributes and space of the object
“Systems”: is a GIS system constructed from modules Creating modules helps conveniently in management and consolidation
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite navigation technology used to accurately determine the ground position of objects worldwide Originally developed for military applications by the United States in the 1960s, GPS has since expanded into widespread civilian use, revolutionizing navigation, mapping, and location-based services globally.
Landsat image
The Landsat satellite system is a network of Earth observation satellites dedicated to exploring and monitoring terrestrial resources As an internationally operated satellite system, Landsat provides valuable data for environmental and land management purposes The first satellite in this series, Landsat-1, was launched by NASA with the primary goal of monitoring Earth's surface.
Launched in 1972 as ERTS-1 (Earth Resources Technology Satellite), Landsat was originally designed to test the feasibility of collecting multispectral Earth observation data Since its launch, the Landsat program has successfully gathered extensive satellite imagery, providing valuable data for environmental monitoring, land use planning, and natural resource management worldwide.
Landsat satellites have evolved significantly over the years, beginning with Landsat 2 (1975) and Landsat 3 (1978), both equipped with the Multispectral Scanner System (MSS) that captured spectral radiation in four channels Landsat 4 (1982) and Landsat 5 (1984) featured the Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor, which provided imagery in seven spectral channels, including visible and infrared ranges The subsequent satellites, Landsat 6 (1993) and Landsat 7 (1999), were equipped with the enhanced ETM (Enhanced Thematic Mapper) sensor for improved imaging capabilities The latest in the series, Landsat 8, was launched on February 12, 2013, with a focus on monitoring forest changes and ecosystems worldwide.
Table 2.1 Sensor characteristics of Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 satellite image
Band 10 – Thermal Infrared (TIR) 1 10.60 – 11.19 100*(30) Band 11 - Thermal Infrared (TIR) 2 11.50 – 12.51 100*(30)
(Source: http://landsat.usgs.gov/)
Status map of forest resources
A forest status map is a thematic map that visually represents forest resources based on a detailed topographic map of the same scale, accurately indicating the location and extent of various forest types It is created through periodic forest resource statistics and inventory, ensuring up-to-date information Utilizing specific colors and symbols, the map effectively distinguishes differences in forest conditions, topography, and terrain This comprehensive map clearly illustrates the distribution of forest areas across the entire region, supporting sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.
Forest status map is an important and necessary document for the management
6 and development of forest resources and for other economic and technical sectors that are using and exploiting forest resources and for other economic
Forest status maps are developed for each administrative level: commune, district, province and the whole country and are an important tool in assessing changes in forest resources.
3.1 Goal and Objectives
Scope
- The study focus on vegetation cover and turtle in Nam Dong Natural Reserve, Thanh Hoa province
- Using Landsat 8 (2019) to construct the training samples for classifying and identify vegetation cover
- Using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software to estimate potential distribution of turtle in Nam Dong Natural Reserve
- Using Excel, IBM SPSS software to find out the relation between measured parameter.
Contents
1 Determine of the current status and flora, fauna composition in Nam Dong Natural Reserve
2 Build vegetation map, elevation and river system of Nam Dong Natural Reserve
3 Determine distribution of turtle based on field survey.\
4 Estimate suitable habitat map of turtle in Nam Dong Natural Reserve
4.1 Natural condition
Geographical location
Nam Dong Natural Reserve, situated in the northwest of Thanh Hoa Province within Quan Hoa and Quan Son districts, is approximately 155 km northwest of Thanh Hoa City Covering geographical coordinates from 20°18'07" to 20°19'38" North latitude and 104°52'08" to 104°53'26" East longitude, this protected area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.
The northern boundary of the property adjoins plots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of sub-zone 185, while the southern edge borders Son Lu and Son Dien communes in Quan Son District To the east, it borders plots 3 and 4 of sub-zone 187 in Quan Hoa District and Trung Thuong commune in Quan Son District The western boundary is shared with blocks 4 and 5 of sub-area 185 in Quan Hoa District, as well as Son Dien commune in Quan Son District.
Fig 4.1 Map of geographical location of Nam Dong Natural Reserve
Topography, geomorphology
The region features a complex mountainous terrain characterized by rugged landscapes and a dense network of rivers and streams This natural terrain is often divided by fissures, valleys, and streams, resulting in an irregular surface that creates steep slopes typical of a karst mountain ecosystem With an average elevation ranging from 700 to 900 meters, the area exhibits slopes varying between 10 to 45 degrees, inclined from northwest to southeast, offering diverse topographical features ideal for ecological exploration and outdoor activities.
Climate and hydrology
The climate characteristics in the region are primarily influenced by the Northwest area, which has a significant impact on temperature trends Due to its high terrain, the region experiences cooler temperatures, with an annual total ranging from approximately 7,500 to 8,000°C The average temperature typically falls between 23°C and 25°C, with the lowest averages around 14°C and the highest reaching higher temperatures.
38 ° C The temperature range of night and day ranges from 4 - 10 ° C
The wind in the area is generally weak, with storm wind speeds not exceeding 25 meters per second The impact of hot, dry West winds is minimal and has little effect on the local climate Annually, the region experiences 3 to 5 days of hoarfrost, with some areas experiencing particularly severe conditions during this period.
The sub-region has a low temperature, cool summers and heavy rain, very cold winter rain and little rain Natural disasters are mainly cold and hoarfrost, frost
Nam Dong commune experiences an average annual precipitation of 1,600 to 1,760 mm, supporting its agricultural activities The annual average air humidity is approximately 86%, though it varies throughout the year Overall, the climate and weather conditions in Nam Dong are generally favorable for the development of crops, livestock, and especially forestry projects.
The complex terrain is divided by many waterways, valleys and streams, the surface of the natural terrain changes erratically, creating a steep terrain characterized by mountains and forests
It can be seen that the characteristics of the commune's natural conditions as described above are very convenient for forest fire prevention and fighting if it occurs
The complex terrain is highly divided by thick river systems and valleys so
31 there are many types of soil including:
Alluvial soils, such as river and alluvial soils (Pb), are highly suitable for rice cultivation and crop production due to their fertility Strong, medium alluvial soils (Pg), found along the Ma River, Luong River, and various streams, are characterized by low-lying areas that are frequently flooded, resulting in typically one or two rice harvests per year Additionally, these soils support mechanical components from medium to heavy machinery, making them ideal for agricultural activities that require robust equipment.
Feralite, modified through rice cultivation, is a unique soil type found across 18 communes in the district This Feralite has been transformed by wet rice farming practices, resulting in terraced fields on the mountainside It plays a vital role in local agriculture and supports rice production in the region.
Yellow-red soil, known as acid magma soil (Fa), develops on rhyolite and granite with a 1 to 1.5-meter thick layer This type of soil is typically found on steep slopes and has historically been transformed from natural forests into bare land.
Red and yellow soils develop on metamorphic and clay rocks, primarily found in low hill areas, which account for two-thirds of hill regions These soils form on substrates such as clay, mica, and sandstone schist, with a typical thickness of 1 to 1.5 meters and a soil composition ranging from moderate to heavy This land type is commonly used for plantation forests and natural forests, supporting diverse forestry activities.
The soil primarily forms through the accumulation of materials from rivers and streams, as well as the local weathering of rocks Most soil layers are relatively thin, just over 1 meter, especially on steep slopes The terrain is complex and segmented, posing significant challenges for agriculture Areas below 170 meters in elevation and with slopes under 300 meters have been extensively cleared of forests for farming, which has led to severe soil erosion, thinning of the soil layer, and degradation of soil quality.
Basic characteristics of forest resources
4.2.1 Current status of land, forest resources
The investigation and review of soil types and forest conditions in the Nam Dong Natural Reserve reveal the presence of rare and precious conifer species, identified through detailed plot delineation and comparison with published forest change data Annually, these assessments provide updated insights into the status of forests and land use within the reserve, supporting conservation efforts and sustainable management initiatives.
Table 4.1 Current forest status in Nam Dong Natural Reserve
No Types Area (ha) Ratio (%)
(Source: Reported data of the Natural Reserve establishment project and re- examination results up to October 2014)
From the results summarized in Table 4.1 shows that:
Nam Dong Natural Reserve covers a forested area of 624.71 hectares, achieving a remarkable 96.56% forest coverage This extensive natural resource is crucial for conserving valuable conifer species, rare flora, and diverse ecosystems, making it a vital protected area for biodiversity preservation and ecological stability.
+ Forest area on rocky mountain is 502, 84 hectares, accounting for 77, 72% including the whole area of natural limestone mountain forests, adjacent to the region with almost primitive distribution of 6 conifer species
+ Forest area on land mountains is 121, 87ha, accounting for 18, 8% including forest states IIIa2, IIIa1, IIa, IIb
Non-forested land covers an area of 22.24 hectares, representing 3.44% of the total natural area of the Nature Reserve The forest features a single-story structure dominated by timber trees, primarily composed of light-demanding species Many remaining trees tend to be short and crooked, reflecting the structural characteristics of this habitat.
4.2.2 Forest status and distribution by functional subdivisions
- Strictly protected sub-area: An area of 502.84 ha, including the whole area
33 of natural limestone mountain forests in the region with almost primitive distribution of 6 conifer species
- Ecological rehabilitation sub-area: The area of 144.11 hectares is an area of mountainous land, adjacent to a strictly protected subdivision, belonging to elevation above 700 m
- Administration-Service Sub-zone: Nam Dong Nature Reserve of Nam Dong
Species and Rare Species Conservation Office at Nam Dong Ranger Station and the area where 3 Forest Protection Stations are planned to be built
The buffer zone covers a total area of 3,315.53 hectares, comprising 12 villages surrounding the nature reserve (NR) It includes 7 villages in Nam Dong commune, Quang Hoa district, and 5 villages across three communes—Son Lu, Son Dien, and Trung Thuong—in Quan Son district.
Fig 4.2 Current status map of Special-use Forest Nam Dong Natural Reserve 4.2.3 Forest type of reservation
- Tropical evergreen closed rain forest belt 700 - 1600 m: Mixed forest of broadleaf and coniferous trees on limestone mountains; Evergreen closed broad leaved tropical rainforest on limestone mountains; Evergreen closed broad leaved
34 tropical rainforest on earth mountains
Tropical moist evergreen closed forests are found at elevations below 700 meters, primarily on limestone mountains and terrestrial land formations These forests are characterized by dense, evergreen vegetation typical of tropical rainforests, thriving under humid conditions Additionally, a subtype of this ecosystem includes tropical scrub vegetation that develops on mountainous land, supporting diverse flora adapted to rugged terrains.
5.1 Current status and flora, fauna composition in Nam Dong Natural Reserve
Flora
Nam Dong Natural Reserve boasts a diverse range of Asian tropical vegetation across medium (700m–1600m) and low mountains (