A Model for Desertification Evolution Employing GIS with Cellular Automata

Abstract

Desertification causes extensive concern of international academia for its development speed and serious calamity. Based on dynamic analysis of remote sensing data in different time and relationships between desertification and drive factors, a method how to build up desertification simulation model based on cellular automata with the help of GIS (Geographic Information System), RS(Remote Sensing) and GPS (Global Positioning System) technologies was put forward. The simulation model was developed with AML (Arc Macro Language) based on ArcGIS software. Then the model was applied to predict spatial-temporal desertification expansion in Bashang and its neighboring areas in Hebei province. Results show that the simulation and prediction of spatial-temporal evolution of desertification tally with the factual situation, which reflect the desertification development situation in the areas.