Development of a Predictive Habitat Evaluation Model for Gaillardia Aestivalis (Walt.) Rock. Var. Winkleri (Cory) Turner Using GPS, Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

<p>Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote sensing techniques were utilized to characterize and subsequently predict potential habitat of Gaillardia aestivalis var. Winkleri, occurring in Hardin County, TX. Field investigations along with CIR positive aerial photographs were used to study local distribution and ecological requirements (soil, site, plant associations) of the plant. Data were obtained from paper maps, aerial photographs and a Landsat TM image. Sites occupied by G. aestivalis var. Winkleri were characterized as having highly acidic soils with poor nutrient content, good drainage and rapid permeability. Along with soil types, vegetation also is an important factor in affecting distribution of the plant. Supervised classification of Landsat TM Image for vegetation classes produced satisfactory results as shown by error matrix. Spatial analysis of coverages were then used to produce potential habitat maps, classified either as favorable or unfavorable. The methodology employed in this study should be useful in conservation of G. aestivalis var. Winkleri, as well as other rare plant species.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Forestry (MF)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Forestry

Year dc:date.available

1997

Author dc:creator

• Rajasekhar, Dasyam Samuel

• Forest Sciences
• Other Forestry and Forest Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/29

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1026