LAND-COVER MAPPING AND MONITORING FROM NOAA AVHRR DATA IN BANGLADESH

NOAA AVHRR HRPT data consisting of two time frames i.e., 1985-86 and 1 992-93 were analysed to determine the status of major land cover types of Bangladesh and to monitor change. The data were radiometrically co rrected to spectral reflectance and mapped to a consistent Plate Caree projection followed by cloud masking and country masking. The satelli te data and the methodology adopted was found to be useful for assessm ent and monitoring of major land cover types and their dynamics at sma ll scale. The nature and pattern of land cover change derived from the analysis forms a valuable resource for planners and decision-makers i n formulating policies, allocating scarce resources and in evaluation of the practical effects of land use policies.