Use of multi-sensor data for mapping of thar desert

The present study deals with the combined interpretation of European Remote Sensing satellite (ERS) - 2, Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) - 1C Wide Field Scanner (WiFS) data over Thar desert. The desert region looks brighter in optical bands whereas, higher brightness temperature and low backscattering coefficient are characteristics of desert region, respectively in passive and active microwave remote sensing responses. The characteristics of optical and microwave remote sensing (active and passive) data have been discussed in monitoring and management of desert regions.