Development of High Resolution Wetland Database and Web Interface in the Ernakulam and Thrissur Districts in Kerala, India

Wetlands are under severe threat from reclamation, water diversion, pollution, resource overuse, biological invasion and climate change worldwide especially in fast growing economies. The present study focuses on identifying and mapping the extent of wetlands in two rapidly developing districts in Kerala (i.e., Ernakulam and Thrissur) using high-resolution satellite imageries available at free of cost through base maps distribution services of GIS softwares. Mapping was carried out at 1: 5, 000 scale using visual interpretation technique. The web interface was developed using ArcGIS online and Open Layer plugins. The study found that the spatial extent of total wetlands in Ernakulam and Thrissur Districts is about 74, 060 ha. The paddy fields are found to be the dominant wetland type in the districts covering an area of 40, 965 ha. The other wetland types include River systems 15, 799 ha, Aqua culture 6, 038 ha, Reservoir 5, 799 ha, Marshy land 4, 332 ha and other water bodies 1, 417 ha. The extent of wetlands was also determined at various administrative levels, i.e., District, Taluk and Panchayat wise. This study developed a wetland web map with the help of ArcGIS Online that supports the decision makers in the effective management of wetlands in the Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.