Resource Use Planning and Systems Simulations Programme
The Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information
Science (GIS) are becoming essential tools and techniques to understand, plan
and monitor the complex interrelated natural as well as man- made systems. The
RS can give a quick, economical and reasonably accurate mean to understand the
resource base which at times was inaccessible.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective is to generate resource and research based scientific information related to agriculture sector and natural resources with an aim to have systematic resource use planning for sustained agriculture and natural resource management in the country.
The secondary objective is to use computer modeling and simulations for systems analysis and management so that generalized information can be used by planners, administrators, research managers, researchers, extension agents and progressive farmers.
RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS
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Spatial Database Development A comprehensive data records/toposheets/thematic maps from various data collecting institutions like Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Soil Survey of Pakistan, Pakistan Meteorological Department and Survey of Pakistan have been collected and a spatial digital database has been developed. Some of the examples of such datasets are:
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Characterization and Classification
Based on historical climatic data, the agro-climatic zones have been identified. For the first time in the history of Pakistan this exercise was done on seasonal basis. The classification criteria identified are Aridity Index (AI) and Crop Growth Index (CGI).
Using statistical crop data set on seasonal basis, a methodology has been developed for delineating cropping zones. The major existing cropping patterns for the country have been mapped for planning future agriculture.
In collaboration with IUCN (Pakistan) an activity was initiated to review the past classification efforts for the ecosystems/ vegetation types of Pakistan and based on these information a methodology was devised to improve this classification on sound criteria. Using database like NOAA image supplemented with extensive ground data, maps of land use and vegetation types of Pakistan were developed. After thorough field validations these maps were updated.
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Resource Inventories Several studies have been carried out for resource inventory of various systems. The most important one among these is the inventory of glaciers, glacial lakes and potentially dangerous glacial lakes in HKH region of Pakistan. It is a regional initiative supported by ICIMOD, APN, UNEP and START. The information is available in the form of CD. |
Band Analysis of Glaciers |
Diagnostic analysis
In the catchment areas of main reservoirs and small dams of the country, the problem of soil erosion and land degradation is on rise thus threatening the life of the reservoirs. In collaboration with JIRCAS, Japan a methodology has been established to develop the management strategies for watershed areas. Using the processed/classified satellite image and various GIS layers, the most sensitive areas prone to erosion have been identified for immediate watershed management. Furthermore, surface hydrology was correlated with ground water hydrology for identification of recharge potential.
Socio Economic Analysis
To correlate the poverty levels with natural resources endowment, in collaboration with ICARDA, Syria a study was initiated in WANA region of Pakistan. The baseline GIS layers, for natural resources, agriculture and socio-economic parameters were developed for Balochistan province of Pakistan. A detailed analysis for poverty levels and natural resources were carried out and the correlations between these two parameters were studied.
SCIENTIFIC INVOLVED
Dr. Arshad Ashraf, PSO
Engr. Rozina Naz, SSO
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