USE OF REMOTE SENSING TO EVALUATE THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF HAZELNUT CULTIVATION: RESULTS OF A STUDY PERFORMED IN AN ITALIAN PRODUCTION AREA

摘要

The knowledge of a crop spatial distribution in a region where it has a significant economic impact can play a relevant role. This knowledge can help both in monitoring the size and the evolution of invested land and in locating the intervention areasfor specific politics. To avoid limitations of traditional information sources (as census data and land use/cover maps) an experimental analysis has been performed to evaluate the possibility of using satellite remote sensing images to locate hazelnut cultivation. To accomplish this objective multi-temporal and multi-spectral images of Viterbo (Italy) hazelnut production area have been used. Image processing and classification has been performed with a computer system. A GIS (Geographical Information System) has been used for maps management and integration. Quantitative controls on results of images classification show a satisfactory quality level, but some limitations too. These can be reduced through a wider knowledge panel derived from a widespread diffusion of this crop identification technology. As a conclusion it can be stated that satellite remote sensing data are a useful tool to monitor hazelnut cultivation spatial distribution and that in the next future this technology is going to becomeone of the most important information sources for sector operators and public administrators.