Preparation of optimal land use maps for agricultural development using remote sensing techniques

Abstract

Optimal land use map of Kanholi area, part of Nagpur district,Maharashtra have been prepared using Satellite imagery in 1:1000,000 and 1:250,000 and aerial photographs in 1:60,000 scale with adequate ground checks. The Satellite imagery proved valuable information about landscape characteristics, land use, hydrology and other environmental features. The aerial photographs were used to prepare comparatively large scale land resource association maps in scale 1:60,000 on geomorphology, landuse, soil hydrology. Soil irrigability, land irrigability and land capability maps are also attempted after interpreting soils information collected during field studies. The utility of this technique in preparation of optimal land use map with associated limitations due to scale have been discussed in the paper.