Geospatial assessment and physical characterization of terraced low land (Jhola land) in Eastern Ghats Highland of India

Abstract

The aims of this study is to map spatial extent and characterization of Jhola land (terraced low land), using remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) techniques. Jhola land is a very important land use system in Koraput district, Odisha in terms of rice production. For mapping, DEM, slope and stream network maps of the district were used as base maps. IRS-Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS) IV images of 2013 were also used for assessment of area under the land. Both supervised classification and visual interpretation of satellite images based on tone, texture, shape, association and on-screen digitization was carried out to identify Jhola land. The overall accuracy level was found to be more than 85%. The best NDVI for delineating Jhola land areas was observed to very between -0.08 and 0.43. Jhola land systems occur at or above 700 m elevation and are present in 10 blocks of Koraput district, occupying 186.7 km2, which is 2.2% of the total geographical area of the district. Around 84% of total Jhola land systems originated either from 2nd or 3rd order streams. Suitable classification scheme of Jhola land was developed based on size, slope and pereniality. The developed data base on Jhola land system will help policy makers in making this system sustainable.