LANDSAT-TM has been evaluated for forest cover type and landuse classification in subtropical forests of Kumaon Himalaya (U.P.)
Comparative evaluation of false colour composite generated by using various band combinations has been made. Digital image
processing of Landsat-TM data on VIPS-32 RRSSC computer system has been carried out to stratify vegetation types. Conventional
band combination in false colour composite is Bands 2, 3 and 4 in Red/Green/Blue sequence of Landsat TM for landuse classification.
The present study however suggests that false colour combination using Landsat TM bands viz., 4, 5 and 3 in Red/Green/Blue
sequence is the most suitable for visual interpretation of various forest cover types and landuse classes. It is felt that
to extract full information from increased spatial and spectral resolution of Landsat TM, it is necessary to process the data
digitally to classify land cover features like vegetation.
Supervised classification using maximum likelihood algorithm has been attemped to stratify the forest vegetation. Only four
bands are sufficient enough to classify vegetaton types. These bands are 2,3,4 and 5. The classification results were smoothed
digitaly to increase the readiability of the map.
Finally, the classification carred out using digital technique were evaluated using systematic sampling design. It is observed
that forest cover type mapping can be achieved upto 80% overall mapping accuracy. Monospecies stand Chirpine can be mapped
in two density classes viz., dense pine (<40%) with more than 90% accuracy. Poor accuracy (66%) was observed while mapping
pine medium dense areas. The digital smoothening reduced the overall mapping accuracy. Conclusively, Landsat-TM can be used
as operatonal sensor for forest cover type mapping even in complex landuse-terrain of Kumaon Himalaya (U.P.)