IRS-IC applications for coastal zone management

Abstract

IRS-1A and 1B data have been found to be useful in providing information on the extent and condition of coastal habitats, coastal processes and water quality of coastal waters. These inputs formed major elements for preparing coastal zone management plans. IRS-1C data having improved spatial resolution (5.6 m PAN data), extended spectral range inclusion of middle infra-red band in LIAA-III) and increased repetitivity (5 days for WiFS data have opened up new vistas of applications in the coastal zone. Preliminary analysis of IRS-1C data indicates that coral reef zonation, identification of tree and shrub mangroves, seaweed/sea grass beds, improved delineation of coastal features such as fringe mangroves, mudflats, beach, dune vegetation, saline areas, etc. as well as better understanding of suspended sediment patterns are now possible. These additional information will certainly form vital remote-sensing-based input for preparing coastal zone management plans.