16. Multi-temporal Land Use Mapping using Remotely Sensed Techniques and the Integration of a Pollutant load model in a GIS

Estimation of nutrient load production based on multi-temporal remotely sensed land-use data for the Glenelg-Hopkins region in southwest Vicotira, Australia, is discussed. Changes in land use were mapped using archived Landsat data and computerized classification techniques. Land-use change is unparalleled in recent history, with 13% of the region transformed in the last decade. Total nitrogen and phosphorus loading were estimated using an export coefficient model. The analysis demonstrated a disturbing increase in nitrogen and phosphorus loadings from 1995 to 2002. Whilst such increases were suspected from past anecdotal and ad-hoc evidence, our modelling quantitavely estimated such increases and thus demonstrated the enormous potential of using remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land-use change and hence improve land-use management.