University of Tehran Researchers Prepare Maps of Changes of Iran's Wetlands, Waterways with Satellite Images
Mehdi Hassanlou, an associate professor of the Faculty of Mapping and Geospatial Information Engineering of the University of Tehran and the manager of the project dubbed as ‘mapping and revealing the changes of wetlands and waterways by using satellite images’, elaborated on the project, saying, “Establishment and launching a monitoring system for mapping and revealing the changes of wetlands and water areas is important due to the vastness of Iran and the existing environmental hazards, by using remote sensing technology for effective monitoring and decision-making.”
He described wetlands as one of the most valuable ecosystems around the world, noting that they provide the environment for many animal and plant species, improve water quality, provide drinking water, protect beaches, absorb wave energy, prevent floods, save carbon resources, provide tourist attractions and balance weather conditions.
“Mapping of wetlands has always been a difficult job due to the environmental complexities and seasonal changes of water resources, and specially preparing national maps of them has been a challenge due to the high cost and time required to prepare land data as well as the need for high processing power and storage,” Hassanlou said, stressing the need for using satellite images for better and more precise mapping of the wetlands and waterways.
Mapping and monitoring of wetlands as one of the world`s most valuable natural resource has gained importance with the developed of the remote sensing techniques.
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