Mapping and cataloguing of trees of IARI campus, New Delhi, India using GIS and GPS

Abstract

A GIS-based method for locating potential tree-planting sites and modification based on land cover data is introduced. This study introduces a program for developing green spaces in urban areas through (1) land suitability analysis based on GIS; (2) quantifying green areas based on the microclimate suitability; and (3) applying landscapeecology principles in organizing green spaces used to evaluate selected benefits provided by the tree canopy. Arc-GIS environment, a computer program was developed for preparation of different maps such as digitizing, road, building, green space and tree map as well as to classify them. Using GPS the existing trees were physically documented (altitude, latitude, botanical name, common name etc.), the data of which is analyzed using Arc-GIS programme. A comprehensive study of 50 tree species was made out of the large number of genera and various species of approximately 3700 across the IARI Campus. Three different maps of road, building and green were prepared based on the study made.