Using Multi Techniques Analysis in Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification and Mapping of Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State Nigeria
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Date
2016-05-31
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Publisher
Open Journal of Ecology, SciRes. http://www.scirp.org/journal/oje
Abstract
This work used multi techniques analysis comprises GIS models, geostatistics, clustering analysis
as against the traditional single layer thematic approach to characterize Mambilla Plateau, a cold
highland in Taraba state of Nigeriainto biogeoclimatic ecosystem zones needed for natural resources management. The principal criteria used in classifying and mapping the ecosystems are:
climate and bioclimate data, physiography (slope, relief and aspect), vegetation/landcover data. In
classifying and mapping the physiography of Mambilla Plateau, the topographic layer was produced from 90 m NASA/SRTM digital elevation model. Principal component analysis, agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis (AHC) and geostatistical techniques (Kriging) were applied to
develop bioclimatic layer. A combination of vegetation field survey conducted on selected sites,
un/supervised classification and the application of NDVI values was used to produce landcover
map and delineation of the Plateau into vegetation units. These layers of physiographic, bioclimatic and vegetation were spatially combined using fuzzy (sum) overlay in Arc GIS 10.2 to produce 5 major and 1 subunit biogeoclimatic ecosystem zones on the Mambilla Plateau and the adjoining landscape namely: humid lowland forest/humid shrubby forest, montane forest, escarpment stream valley forest, grass cypress cool mountain and, grass eucalyptus cold high mountain. It is expected that this approach to biogeoclimatic ecosystem mapping shall form the bedrock for
vegetal/forest resources management not only in the region but find application especially in most of the highland of the world.