Ecology & Safety, Volume 9, 2015

Abstract: Automated classification and mapping of forest cover can be accomplished only through interdisciplinary research efforts. A technique of automated classification and mapping of potential forest growing conditions and forest regeneration dynamics was developed and applied to south central Siberia. This technique is based on GIS-technology involving spatial analysis of a digital elevation model (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)), Landsat 5-TM images and ground observation data. In this way, an algorithm of conjugate analysis of dissimilar data in a stepwise manner was developed. The vector maps obtained reflect forest growing condition types, forest types, and regeneration age stages. Although the obtained maps show current vegetation cover state, the map legend is based on the classification, which takes into account site-specific forest regeneration development. Therefore, these maps enable to predict forest regeneration dynamics in different growing condition.