Application of aerial photographs and satellite images for visualization of forest cover changes (Case study: Zagros forests, Iran)

Visualization is one of the best methods to represent data from natural environments. In this research, the variation of the forest cover was visualized at a part of Zagros forests (741 hectare) using aerial photographs and satellite images. Geometric correction and relief displacement was done on 1997 aerial photographs. Aerial photographs of 1955 and 1969 were corrected by approximate image correction method using georefrenced images. Forest boundaries were determined on all of the images by visual interpretation techniques, However classification of 1997 aerial photographs and satellite image were done automatically using Maximum likelihood classifier. Aerial photographs of 1955 and 1969 were classified by dot grid. Shadow index was specified by determining the accurate canopy amount on 74 random trees and compare them with data deduction from images. Likewise, field data were collected using 141 circular 1200m sample plots in a systematic random grid (100m×300m). With preparation of essential data, visualizations were done on different scale in the 3DNature software. Results indicated the notable reduce of forest area (37%) since 50 years ago. Maximum amount of canopy drop (45%) have been occurred from 1955 to 1969. Canopy percent on forest region indicate ascending trend (+15%) from 1969 to 1997 and lightly descending trend from 1997 to 2003.