Protocols for Riverine Wetland Mapping and Classification Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the most important ecological environments that also have high socio-economic importance. India hosts a large number of wetlands, among which most are in the Indo-Gangetic Plains formed by riverine processes. In order to understand the extensive system of riverine wetlands and their distinction from other floodplain water bodies, mainly the waterlogged areas, a mapping and classification system has been proposed and applied for wetlands in the Begusarai district of north Bihar plains, India. The proposed hydrogeomorphic classification system is hierarchical, simple, and robust, and can be implemented through quick processing of satellite images integrated with minimal ancillary data.