Application of GIS for Land Evaluation of Watershed Aquaculture Development in Thainguyen, Vietnam

摘要

This study was conducted in Daitu district of Thainguyen province of Vietnam during November 2001 -January 2003 to identity and estimate potential areas for aquaculture development in a watershed area by integrating socio-economic and environmental data into a GIS database. The socio-economic and environmental data were collected using pre-test questionnaires and field measurements. A SPOT multi-spectral band satellite image acquired in 2002 was used for updating land use information. Data on aquaculture production and economic returns obtained from farmer interviews were used to verify the results and for comparisons among different land suitability levels. For land suitability evaluation, the suitability ratings were established according to FAOclassification in terms of suitability of land for defined uses. The present study indicates that about 4.7% (2.725 ha) of the total land area of 57.618 ha in Daitu district are suitable for watershed pond aquaculture, compared to the existing 404-ha watershed ponds. The present study has demonstrated the usefulness of GTS modeling to select suitable sites for the development of watershed ponds, and the importance of using the data as a tool for planners to develop strategic plans for aquaculture development.