Monitoring forest cover changes in Malaysia using remote sensing technique
2000
Aswati Surep
Forests are a renewable that play a vital role in the development of the national economy. Malaysia is endowed with extensive tropical forest resources. It was reported in 1992 that about 19.06 million ha or 57.9% of total land area is covered by forests. Remote sensing is acknowledged as the most powerful tool to monitor detect any changes of a forested area. This paper reviews the potential of using remote sensing technique in detecting land use and land cover changes in Malaysia. Studies in Sabah (197601983), Rawang (1988-1995), Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve (1988-1995) indicated that there were significant forest cover changes occuring in the study sites. Causes and rate of forest cover change were quantified and discussed. The usefulness of remote sensing technique in detecting forest change in Malaysia has been explored significantly. Although much of the efforts are still at the infant stage, the potential use of the technique at the operational level is very promising.
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