Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites, launched and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), provide a wealth of data crucial for understanding and managing Earth’s resources. IRS data, encompassing a range of spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions, has become indispensable for various developmental activities. These satellites utilize different sensors to capture information about the Earth’s surface, which is then processed and analyzed to generate valuable insights. The data’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness have made it a preferred choice for resource monitoring and planning across diverse sectors in India and globally.
Applications of IRS Data in Development and Resource Management
1. Agriculture
IRS data plays a vital role in precision agriculture. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), derived from IRS data, helps assess vegetation health and biomass. This information is used for:
- Crop acreage estimation and yield prediction.
- Monitoring crop stress due to drought, pests, or diseases.
- Irrigation management and water use efficiency.
- Land use/land cover mapping for agricultural planning.
2. Forestry
IRS data is extensively used for forest monitoring and management:
- Forest cover mapping and change detection.
- Assessment of forest biomass and carbon stock.
- Monitoring deforestation and illegal logging.
- Identification of forest fire hotspots.
3. Water Resources
IRS data provides crucial information for water resource management:
- Mapping and monitoring of surface water bodies (rivers, lakes, reservoirs).
- Groundwater prospecting through geological feature identification.
- Snow cover mapping for glacial meltwater assessment.
- Flood inundation mapping and flood plain zoning.
4. Urban Planning
IRS data aids in urban development and infrastructure planning:
- Urban sprawl mapping and monitoring.
- Land use/land cover classification for urban planning.
- Identification of suitable sites for infrastructure development.
- Monitoring of urban environmental conditions (e.g., air pollution, water quality).
5. Disaster Management
IRS data is critical for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response:
- Flood mapping and damage assessment.
- Landslide hazard zonation.
- Earthquake damage assessment.
- Monitoring of cyclone tracks and storm surges.
6. Geology
IRS data assists in geological studies and resource exploration:
- Geological mapping and structural analysis.
- Identification of potential mineral deposits.
- Groundwater exploration.
- Monitoring of geological hazards (e.g., landslides, earthquakes).
| Sector | IRS Data Used | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | NDVI, LISS-III, RISAT-2 | Crop monitoring, yield prediction |
| Forestry | LISS-IV, Cartosat-1 | Forest cover mapping, deforestation monitoring |
| Water Resources | IRS-P6, Resourcesat-2 | Surface water mapping, flood monitoring |
Conclusion
IRS data has revolutionized resource management and development planning in India. Its multi-spectral and multi-temporal capabilities provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth’s resources, enabling informed decision-making. Continued advancements in sensor technology and data processing techniques will further enhance the utility of IRS data. Integrating IRS data with other geospatial technologies like GIS and GPS will be crucial for sustainable development and effective resource management in the future. Investing in data dissemination and capacity building will maximize the benefits of this valuable resource.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.