District level planning-a case study for the Panchmahals district using remote sensing and Geographic Information System techniques

A study for District Level Planning was carried out in the Panchmahals district, Gujarat, using the concepts of the Composite Land Development Unit (CLDU) and the Service Centre Hierarchy (SCH) for natural and socioeconomic resources, respectively. The CLDU map was derived from slope, soil, ground water prospect and land-use information using GIS techniques. Alternate land-use sites for grassland, horticulture, afforestation were recommended based upon the soil-slope conditions of the CLDUs. Priority sub-watersheds in the district were identified for soil conservation measures. Analysis on SCH was based upon composite amenity index (AI).