Multi-temporal analysis of forestation changes in Tatra National Park using SPOT images

The goal of this work is the identification of afforestation changes in the Tatra National Park and multi-temporal analysis based on satellite images SPOT 5 and SPOT 6 in period 2002-2012. The whole idea of this study refers to the earlier research made in 1992 (1), which results cover the period 1934-1992 and consists in connection of both experiments.
To identify land cover types occurring in the area of interest the photointerpretation key was developed based on SPOT images. Subsequently, a spatial database in GIS technology was created and eventually 11 classes of land cover using photointerpretation were distinguished. Analysis of changes included a comparison of separated classes of land cover, including afforestation evident in image from different years. Furthermore the trend of its changes was studied as well. The analysis of changes in afforestation was made using digital elevation model with respect to the absolute height, aspect and slope of the terrain. With regard to the results of earlier studies, executed evaluation is gaining wider context. In the years 1934-1992 there was a significant deforestation of the Tatra National Park. However, the changes that have been occurring over the last 10 years are beneficial and forested areas slightly increased comparing to 1992. Thereby the positive process of forest succession was proved.