Land use planning using geographic information systems

China, Samuel Soita (1993) Land use planning using geographic information systems. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This study reviews the problems delimiting effective implementation of soil and water conservation projects in developing countries. Alternative approaches to planning and implementation of these projects are also examined. In particular, Catchment Approach Strategy has been identified as having the greater potential for use in effective implementation of soil and water conservation projects in developing countries. Some countries have already incorporated this strategy in their national soil conservation programmes, although a coherent methodology for implementing land use planning on a catchment basis is non-existent.

Data on climate, topography, cover and conservation practices were collected from a sample catchment 50 KM² in area, from Kenya. In addition, TM landsat data for the same study catchment was obtained. These data sets were transformed and subsequently transcribed into Arc/Info GIS for further manipulation and analysis. By overlay modelling using the USLE, the magnitude as well as spatial distribution of erosion rates from the whole catchment were predicted. Under the current landuse, it was ascertained that the average annual soil loss from the whole catchment is about 84,000 tonnes. In an improved land use scenario, the most erodible subsets of the catchment were isolated and treated with a defined conservation package. Under this plan, average annual soil loss, on catchment basis, was predicted to be 20,000 tonnes. Conversely, under the unimproved land use scenario, whereby 50% of the forest land was simulated as converted to cropland, the predicted annual soil loss was 184,000 tonnes, more than twice the present erosion rate.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Download statistics