Application of Geogrphical Information System for Monitoring and Mapping of Forest Fire in Tiruchirappalli Division, Tamil Nadu, India

Forest is not only ecological resources, but also it affects associated with natural economy of country and livelihood. This study examines the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to assess forest fire proneness area. Forest Fire places were identified in the study area from historical hotspots data from year 2007 to 2011 using GPS survey. The study methodology are involved incorporation of different hematic layers road, water bodies, slope, land use, climate, reserved forest area, GPS locations of forest fire. These data were constructed into a spatial database using GIS. Forest Cover changes in Tiruchirapalli district between 2007 and 2011 so as to detect the changes that may have taken place in this status between these periods. The result obtained show that some features will be lost to other features and possible reasons for that were evaluated. These maps shows not only forest fire location but also land use classes with information on major forest species, areal extent risk area. It is essential for the policy makers, environmental analyst planners and conservator of forest to recognize where, what and how much remedial measure is required to restore degraded forest and to manage forest resources in a sustainable manner.