Mapping potential land degradation in Bhutan

This study attempted to map potential land degradation area based on existing degraded areas at Lumang and Thrimshring Geogs in Bhutan through integration of Geospatial Information. Existing land degradation areas are mapped through field mapping. Moreover, 9 factors of land degradation such as drainage density, water flow accumulation, distance from drainage, water flow direction, slope, aspect, geology, land use & cover and distance from road are considered for mapping potential land degradation areas. These factors are also found out through field observation. This study demonstrated how to create factor maps while accessing very limited available Geospatial Information. This study also demonstrated how to integrate Geospatial information through weighted factor combination model to create seven levels of land degradation risk map using hydrological model and spatial analyses.