Developing a suitability model for potential vegetation distribution based on GIS

Abstract

The growing problem of deforestation around the world will have serious consequences for life on our planet if urgent steps are not taken to remedy this situation. In order to reforest affected areas, it is first necessary to decide the areas most suitable to each type of forest. This can be determined by using suitability models based on a series of morphological and environmental variables (altitude, gradient, insolation, etc.), all of which have a bearing on the presence or absence of a particular type of forest in a particular Our study involves the creation of a potential vegetation model based on the environmental variables that have a bearing on the existence of a particular type of forest at any given point of terrain. These variables can be represented on maps that are included in a spatial database together with a distribution map of existing forests. A potential vegetation map for each study area is then drawn up using the integrated mathematical and statistical functions of the database. Two potential vegetation maps are created, one using discriminant analysis combined with correspondence analysis, and the other using logistic regression combined with weights of evidence. The results for each method are then compared to the real distribution of the forests in the area of study.