Researching plant density classes of Tokat province by LANDSAT 7 ETM satellite images and Geographic Information Systems

OpenAlex Turkish

Indices developed for vegetation hold important place in remote sensing technology and they are commonly used. One of them is Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) which is developed for vegetation and accepted in worldwide. In this study, spatial distribution of plant density of Tokat province in 2000 was mapped by using LANDSAT-7 ETM+ images and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Obtained NDVI map was classified as very weak, weak, moderate and intensive plant density classes for the first time by utilizing Braun Blanquet cover abundance classes (BB) and geographic information systems (GIS). The accuracy assessment of the created classes was performed by utilizing ground truth data collected from 103 points throughout the study area. The overall accuracy of NDVI (plant density) classes was found as 86.45 %. The results of the study indicated that the majority of the Tokat province takes place in the moderate class (47.56 %). This was followed by intense (40.36 %), low (7.57 %) and very weak (4.14 %) plant density classes. The remaining areas were evaluated as water surface (0.37 %). The results concretely demonstrated the high potential of Tokat province in terms of plant biological diversity and agriculture. BB assessments were also found to be usable to classify the NDVI values in a reliable way. Thus, a robust background reference was also formed to monitor vegetation cover change in the future.