Determine Canopy Gaps for Atrush Forest using Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

Abstract It is known that the gaps in the forests have a significant impact on the natural regeneration of the forest, so these gaps were studied by relying on remote sensitivity data (Quick Bird) with a precision of discrimination (2.44 m) spectral and (0.61 m) panoramic The statement was classified non-directed by the computer program (Erdas 9.2) for its suitability for the study area of a mountain nature, the study area was classified into (empty spaces (gaps), roads, forest lands), the study area reached (126.182) hectares, the area of the gaps inside the forest (68%), while the roads were (0.5%) and coronary canopy (31.5%(. The areas and shapes of the gaps were defined and their areas calculated by creating a network (20 x 20) m. The gaps were divided into categories (less than 200) m2, between (200 and 400) m2 and between (400 and 600) m2 and (more than 600) m2, As for its shapes, it was calculated using the relationship A=π(L w / 4) including the amount of oval, square, regular, irregular. Data were analyzed from the traditional and spatial statistics, and most of the gaps were similar to the oval or square shape, and most of the gaps were medium size (400 and 600) m2 to small (less than 200) m2, and this indicates the possibility of natural regeneration of the species spread in the study area.