Spectral transformation of image Data: Vegetation remote sensing for forest monitoring

This study analysed the vegetation status of mining concession area, Zimbabwe. To achieve this, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NNVI) was used to assess vegetation condition of area. NDVI aws calculated using the Landsat Image of Hwange 31May 2011. The red and nearinfrared wavw bands were used to determine NDVI. Results indicate that about 117km2 of the mining concession area is least vegetated and 5km2 moderately vegetated. There are no areas which can be classified as highly and densely vegetated in the area. The conclusion is that the area is generally devoid of vegetation because of the vegetation clearing which is taking place to pave way for open cast and undergroung mining activities. In light of these findings, it is therefore recommended that there should be afforestation and reforestation programmes to rehabilitate the mined areas. Such develomnets are crucial as the area is located close to one of the largest wildlife snctuories inthe country.