Land use mapping of the That Luang-Salakham wetland, Lao PDR, using Landsat TM-data

The Wetland Management Programme (WMP) of the Mekong Secretariat has identified satellite remote sensing as being a valuable tool in conducting surveys of Mekong riperian wetlands (Petersen R., Petersen L. and Lacoursiere 1990). This study involves evaluating the feasibility of large scale land use mapping of the That Luang-Salakham wetland and surroundings, Lao PDR, using digital satellite remote sensing methods and Landsat TM-data. Of particular interest have been the mapping of natural wetland vegetation and of wet, dry and both wet and dry season rice crops. Two Landsat TM images were used: one from August 1989 (wet season) and one from November 1989 (dry season). A method for land use classification has been developed and evaluated. Three land use classifications have been created: one using wet season data, one using dry season data and one combining both wet and dry season data. The most accurate results were obtained from this third, multi-temporal classification. Three wetland vegetation classes were identified as was the extent of rice paddy and terrace during both seasons. It is concluded that land use mapping using these methods is feasible yet unrealistic (logistically and economically) for wetland classification by the WMP in the Lao PDR.