GIS and Remote Sensing based land cover change detection, prediction modeling and assessment of change on biodiversity using time-series data

Abstract

Various anthropogenic transformations and modifications have continuously modified and/or changed the land cover for centuries for different forms of human productions. These ultimately impacted or changed the biodiversity, nutrient and hydrological cycles as well as global environment and climate, especially in the developing world. Australia has a great variety of native vegetation ranging from rainforests, alpine habitats, wetlands, grasslands, eucalypt forests and woodlands reflecting the diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems found across the country. The destruction of habitat due to native vegetation clearing has been identified as the greatest single threat to biodiversity in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The clearing has mainly taken place in grassy woodlands areas for pasture improvement by the application of fertilizers, ploughing and the sowing of introduced grasses and clovers. This research explored the potential of a range of remote sensing and modelling techniques to assist in the investigation of suitability of land cover mapping in terms of time-period, methods, and seasonal and long term land cover change in the north-eastern parts of NSW, Australia. The overall aim of this research was to investigate the potential of remote sensing, GIS and modelling techniques in detailed investigations of seasonal and nearly four decadal land cover change analysis and assessment of long term pattern of land cover change for future change predictions. The research also aimed at assessing the impact of land cover change on terrestrial habitat configurations.