MAPPING VEGETATION OF WETLAND BASED UPON AN OBJECT-ORIENTED CLASSIFICATION WITH HIGH RESOLUTION ORTHOPHOTOS

摘要

Gediz Delta, which is under protection under the Ramsar Convention, is one of the most important wetlands of Turkey. In the Delta in which there are numerous lagoons, saline, and freshwater swamps and a big salt marsh, there is also the Bird Sanctuary which is of great importance for ornitho-tourism. Plant species in wetlands are characterized as biomonitors that can show changes and pollution factors and levels within the area due to their properties. Monitoring of changes in plant species and geographical distribution is extremely important for the sustainability of diversity and balance in the ecosystem. In this study, it is aimed to determine the distribution areas of each taxon by creating a map of flora, which is known to be found in the wetlands of Gediz Delta and whose species are known but their distribution areas are unknown. Vegetation was observed in situ by field studies. Using the high-resolution infrared orthophoto images, the species and geographical distribution of the plants were determined by object-oriented classification method, which is a new approach in the determination of the elements on earth’s surface. With this object-oriented approach, a new dimension has been given to classical classification processes. By transferring the area and average reflection values of the objects determined by using the properties of the method to the vector map as attribute information, it will be possible to create a reliable base for the "Wetland Management Plan", which is specified by experts as the most effective way to protect wetlands.