Land use and Land Cover analysis using Remote Sensing and GIS:A case study In Gudur area , Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Abstract

Land use/land cover information is essential for selection, planning and implementation of management strategies to meet the increasing demands for basic human needs and welfare of the ever growing population. The aim of the research was to  analyze and monitor land use/land cover  in  Gudur area, Nellore district ,Andhra Pradesh, of south  India by using  integrated approach  of remote sensing and geographical information system. The total study area is about 247.29 km2. The National Land use/Land cover classification developed by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) divides the land in the study area into five Level I classes, 11 Level II classes, and fifteen Level III classes. From this three-level hierarchic based classification. The land use and land cover analysis on the study area has been attempted based on thematic mapping of the area consisting of built-up land, cultivated land, water bodies, forest land, barren land and uncultivated land using the satellite image. The result shows that the agriculture lands area well distributed entire study area and it covers 159.83 sq.km (65%). Forest occupies 15.22 km² (6.0%), Built up  urban and rural area covers 5.31 km² and 6.56 km² respectively. quarry and industrial area covers 1.78 km2 and 0.43 km², Water bodies and uncultivated lands occupy 24.62 km² (10%) and 33.29 km² (13%) respectively. This research provides useful and up-to-date information to local land use planners, managers and policy-makers to step up towards sustainable development in the study area.