Determination of temporal dynamics of forest resources using remote sensing and geographical information system: Case study in Gümüşhane and İnegöl State Forest Industries

Determination of Temporal Dynamics of Forest Resources Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System: Case study in Gümüşhane and İnegöl State Forest Industries Recognition as well as understanding of dynamics of land use pattern as a historical legacy of disturbances is necessary for sustainable management of forest ecosystems. This study analyzed spatial and temporal changes in land use/land cover pattern bom in a typical mountain watershed covering an area of 431972 ha along the Northeastern part of Turkey (Gümüşhane) and in a sub-temperate like alluvial forest land covering an area of 177797 ha along the Eagan Sea coast of Turkey (İnegöl). Both areas are studied by comparing classified LANDSAT TM images from 1987 to 2001 and evaluated by GIS analyses of forest cover type maps from 1971, 1987, 1993 and 2004. The study also investigated temporal changes of spatial structure of forest conditions over the period using FRAGSTATST. The results show 0,5% decrease in forest areas whereas 0,5% increased in lowland agricultural area, range land, shrub lands, grasslands and upland agriculture in between 1971 and 1987 in Gümüşhane. Forest areas, however increased 1,6% between 1987 and 2000 in Gümüşhane. Forest areas also increased both in between 1972 and 1993 years (1,6%) and between 1987 and 2001 years (6,7%) in İnegöl. In terms of configuration, the number of forest patches (e.g. stands) and shape index decreased in between 1971 and 1987, but increase in between 1987 and 2000 in Gümüşhane. Patches in the latter periods decreased due to natural forest regeneration and/or plantation establishment. However, forests in İnegöl are generally fragmented in the latter periods due to intensive forest utilization, illegal use, expansion of settlements and infrastructural development in the lowlands. Forest land use pattern in both areas significantly changed over time depending on a number of factors such as unregulated forest management actions, social pressure and demographic movement. When both case areas are compared, land use changes have developed in favor of forestry in both areas over time between 1987 and 2000. The study revealed that demographic movements have a minor effect on the dynamics of land use pattern. In conclusion, both spatial and temporal changes and the factors affecting these changes should be determined for sustainable and effective management of forest resources. Keywords: Land use change; GIS, Image Processing, Spatial Structure of Forest, Demographic Change, Forest Management