Sains Malaysiana 43(3)(2014): 349–358

Landform Classification for Site Evaluation and Forest Planning: Integration between

Scientific Approach and Traditional Concept

(Pengelasan Bentuk Muka Bumi bagi Tujuan Penilaian Kawasan dan Perancangan Hutan: Integrasi antara Pendekatan Sains dan Konsep Tradisi)

AZITA AHMAD ZAWAWI¹³*, MASAMI SHIBA²& NOOR JANATUN NAIM JEMALI¹

¹The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan

²Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara 903-0213, Okinawa

Japan

³Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Diserahkan: 29 Januari 2013/Diterima: 11 Julai 2013

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we present an automated classification method of landform elements using an application of SAGA GIS software. The spatial assessment was done on the Yambaru forest area (YFA) in the northernmost part of Okinawa Island, Japan. This task is performed through the detailed elevation grid analyses from DTM of YFA with a spatial scale of 10 × 10 m² supported by The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. The classification has ten classes; high ridges, mid slope ridges, upland drainage, upper slopes, open slopes, plains, valleys, local ridges, midslope drainage and streams. Classes were defined using the 'topographical position index' module and selected terrain variables were integrated to vegetation data for site evaluation. Information on terrain characteristics is very important to explain geographical constraints and map variability of natural resources in maintaining sustainable forest management as well as supporting decision making processes. Taking this into account, we adapted a traditional concept of forest terrain introduced by Sai On, a council member of the Ryukyu Kingdom (former name of Okinawa Island) when evaluating the potential site for forestry use.

Keywords: Automated; DTM; landform; Okinawa Island; SAGA

ABSTRAK

Dalam makalah ini, kami membentangkan kaedah pengelasan kawasan dan unsur bentuk muka bumi dengan menggunakan aplikasi perisian SAGA GIS. Penilaian reruang telah dijalankan ke atas kawasan hutan Yambaru, yang terletak di bahagian utara Pulau Okinawa, Jepun. Tugasan ini dijalankan melalui analisis terperinci grid ketinggian muka bumi (DTM) dengan skala 10 × 10 m², yang disediakan oleh Lembaga Penyebaran Maklumat Geospatial Jepun. Bentuk muka bumi telah dibahagikan kepada sepuluh kelas. Maklumat mengenai ciri bentuk muka bumi sesebuah kawasan adalah sangat penting bagi menerangkan kekangan geografi yang wujud dan untuk pemetaan kepelbagaian sumber semula jadi; sebagai salah satu langkah untuk mengekalkan pengurusan hutan mapan selain menyokong proses pembuatan keputusan oleh pihak berwajib. Dalam kajian ini, kami turut mengadaptasi konsep tradisi pengelasan kawasan hutan yang telah diperkenalkan oleh Sai On, iaitu seorang ahli majlis di kepulauan Ryukyus (nama asal bagi Pulau Okinawa).

Kata kunci: Automatis; bentuk muka bumi; DTM; Pulau Okinawa; SAGA

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*Pengarang untuk surat-menyurat; email: azitazawawi@gmail.com