Satellites to map forests

Disna MUDALIGE

The forests in the island are to be remapped using satellite images, Forest Department Assistant Conservator Nishantha Edirisinghe told the Daily News. "The previous mapping was done in 1999.

First we interpret forest cover, grass lands, buildings and water areas through satellite images, and then will go to forest lands to see whether the images obtained are true.

After categorizing into forest cover classes the maps will be drawn using the CIS software" he said.

He also said that, the Department hopes to release this map within next three months.

"This will be of use to obtain contemporary facts about remaining forests in Sri Lanka" he added.