Protection of Ecosystem and Preservation of Biodiversity: The Geospatial Technology Approach

Abstract

he protection of ecosystem and preservation of biodiversity through the approach of geospatial technology was the aim of this research. The channel was monitoring the spatial transformation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria between year 2002 and year 2018 using Satellite Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System techniques. Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) plus of year 2002, Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) of year 2014 and year 2018 all of 32m resolution were the satellite images obtained for the study. These images were processed with supervised maximum likelihood classification algorithm using ArcGIS 10.3 software. To validate the classification and ensure high accuracy, an accuracy assessment was performed using training samples from 60 points on each of the satellite imagery on a reference image from google earth combined with ground data collected on actual visitation to the study area to verify the true land-cover type existing on the site. The resultant images deemed fit for analyses were classified into built-up, thick vegetation, light vegetation and bare land, land cover classes. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to perform land cover area calculations through which the land cover dynamics and the spatial expansion were identified. The result showed built-up (13.58%, 14.59%, 20.75%); thick vegetation (33.78%, 26.26%, 12.18%); Light vegetation (24.57%, 32.29%, 30.51%); Bare land (28.08%, 26.26%, 36.56%) for the three years respectively. A special focus was put on the general depletion of the (thick and light) vegetation of which trees are a major actor. These depletion were adduced to the positive transformation of other land cover classes through the underlining landuse. The study concluded that alteration, depletion and consequent disappearance of trees in the green ecosystem is a threat to environment’s sustainability and the protection of ecosystem and preservation of biodiversity. The study recommended the research as a tool to controlling the removal of trees and thick forest, growing more trees and plants among other factors to protect ecosystem and preserve biodiversity.