Western Ghats Spatial Distribution Analysis in Goa State Boundary, India

This paper employs remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies to analyze the spatial distribution of vegetation within the Western Ghats in the Goa state boundary. Sentinel-2 world cover Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data are utilized for extracting the Western Ghats, while MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) MOD13Q1 and MOD15A2H data provide terrain factors and vegetation indices. Through advanced remote sensing techniques, the extent of the Western Ghats is accurately mapped, and correlation analysis is conducted to understand the relationship between vegetation indices and terrain factors the in the vicinity of the Western Ghats boundary. The results reveal that the Western Ghats cover approximately 82% of the Goa state boundary, emphasizing its ecological significance. Strong associations are observed between vegetation indices derived from MODIS data and the distribution of the Western Ghats, indicating the influence of topographic and environmental factors on vegetation patterns. These findings have practical implications for environmental monitoring and long-term assessment of forest ecosystems in Goa, facilitating the formulation of conservation strategies. The spatial information generated serves as a valuable tool for temporal monitoring of vegetation dynamics and prioritizing conservation efforts. The results show that the Western Ghats cover about 82% of the area within the Kerala State boundary. Overall, this study contributes to understanding vegetation distribution patterns in the Western Ghats, aiding in sustainable management and conservation practices in this biodiverse region.