Figure 2: Satellite Image of Trinidad and Tobago
4.2 GIS data development
Developing the geographical profile for the study areas will involve documenting population trends and identifying key social, economic and environmental issues that occurred over the past 30 years. Consequently, the following information will be sought and used as reference information: statistical data, existing LU/C and forestry maps, digital elevation model. This study will also acquire and review documentations on land management and physical development policies and practices to aid in understanding land use/land cover change. Additionally, a review of conservation legislations in forested areas and wetlands will provide insight into the likelihood of expansion or reduction of these areas.
4.3 Field surveys
Field surveys will be conducted within the study areas to determine the major types of land use and land cover. Such data would be used in two aspects of the mapping of LU/C cover. Firstly it will aid in LU/C classification, by associating the ground features of a specific type of land use and land cover with the relevant imaging and spectral characteristics. Secondly, ground data will be used for accuracy assessment of the developed land use and land cover maps.
8