Study and Evaluation of Spatial and Ecological Capabilities in Babolrood Basin using Geographic Information System (GIS)

Inappropriate patterns and drastic changes in land-use have caused the severe environmental crisis. Therefore, it is necessary to accomplish any plan in relation to establishment of different activities with respect to land capabilities and land-use evaluation thought. In this study, ecological capabilities and the site selection of land uses in Babolrood basin, Mazandaran province were evaluated. For this purpose, at first, layers and necessary data were collected and then using GIS and systemic analysis method, the ecological capability for each one of uses such as forestry, agriculture, range management, ecotourist, conservation and urban, rural and industry development were evaluated. After that, based on social - economic studies and ecological capability, the final map of land-use planning for study area was prepared. The results show that 73.28 percent of the area is suitable for forestry land use and 5.53, 13.01, 6.87 and 1.31 percent of the area is suitable for intensive ecotourism, extensive ecotourism, agricultures and conservation purposes, respectively.