Application of Remote Sensing Technique for Atap Palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb.) Product Valuation in Mangrove Forest Samut Sakhon Province

Abstract

This study investigated classification techniques of Atap Palm using THEOS satellite data and the appropriate techniques to use for Atap Palm valuation in mangrove forest of Samut Sakhon province.  Data on Atap Palm leaves and Atap Palm fruit measured from field sample plots and gathered from interviews were included in the analysis processes.

The results found that there were 25,257.22 rai of mangrove forest in Samut Sakhon province and in that area there were 16,708.75 rai of Atap Palm which were classified as dense, moderate and light density with areas of 1,296.71 rai 5,165.92 rai and 10,246.12 rai, respectively.  In the dense density of Atap Palm, there were 1,113.60 clumps per rai 11,180.54 leaf stalks per rai, and 400.90 compound fruits per rai.  In the moderate density of Atap Palm, there were 676.80 clumps per rai 7,079.33 leaf stalks per rai, and 291.02 compound fruits per rai.  In the light density of Atap Palm, there were 121.60 clumps per rai 1,326.66 leaf stalks per rai, and 34.05 compound fruits per rai.  Based on the data from the interviews, the study found the price of Atap Palm leaf was 1.50 baht, with compound fruits and a single set valued at 71 and 7.50 baht, respectively.  In 2012, the value of Atap Palm in Samut Sakhon province was 653,387,526 baht.

Keywords: Remote sensing, Valuation, Atap palm product, Mangrove forest Samut Sakhon Province