GIS and RS Based Approach for Monitoring the Snow Cover Change in Gilgit Baltistan

Snow cover mapping, monitoring, and estimation are a time consuming and complicated process if monitored by traditional means. However, the periodical and precise mapping of snow cover can be done by using optical satellite imagery. Satellite data archive from Landsat (1980-2014) is used with Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) DEM data. The results showed that the total area of snow cover was 27987.21 [km.sup.2] in 1980 and 26318.05 [km.sup.2] in 2014. The variation in snow cover was 1669.16 [km.sup.2] during 1980 to 2014. The combination of GIS and Remote sensing techniques help in delineating the snow cover pockets that are retreating at the high, moderate and low rate. Furthermore, the district-wise share of snow cover is also calculated. Keywords: remote sensing, snow cover, SRTM, change analysis