Protocols for riverine wetland mapping and classification using remote sensing and GIS

Wetlands are one of the most important ecological environments that also have high socio-economic importance. India hosts a large number of wetlands, among which most are in the Indo-Gangetic Plains formed by riverine processes. In order to understand the extensive system of riverine wetlands and their distinction from other floodplain water bodies, mainly the waterlogged areas, a mapping and classification system has been proposed and applied for wetlands in the Begusarai district of north Bihar plains, India. The proposed hydro-geomorphic classification system is hierarchical, simple, and robust, and can be implemented through quick processing of satellite images integrated with minimal ancillary data.