GEOINFORMATION MAPPING OF PASTURE LANDS IN THE SOUTHERN REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN BASED ON EARTH REMOTE SENSING DATA

Ранида Арыстанова; Asset  Arystanov; Aikerim  Mamayeva; Gulnara Kabzhanova; Janay  Sagin; Dariga  Abdikhalykova

doi:10.37238/2960-1371.2960-138X.2026.102(2).36

Ранида Арыстанова Казахстанско-Британский технический университет, Лаборатория передовых электронных разработок, Алматы, Казахстан
Mr. Asset Kazakh British Technical University, Laboratory of Advanced Electronic Developments, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Ms. Aikerim Kazakh British Technical University, Laboratory of Advanced Electronic Developments, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Dr. Gulnara Kabzhanova LLP “Skyterra”
Prof. Sagin Kazakh British Technical University, Laboratory of Advanced Electronic Developments, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Ms. Dariga

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37238/2960-1371.2960-138X.2026.102(2).36

Keywords: pasture lands; Earth remote sensing; GIS; biophysical parameters; geobotanical survey; grazing load; southern Kazakhstan; LAI; FAPAR; FCOVER; permissible grazing load

Abstract

This article presents the results of geoinformation mapping of pasture lands in the southern regions of Kazakhstan based on Earth remote sensing data, GIS analysis and field geobotanical surveys. The study objects were pasture areas of Almaty, Zhambyl, Zhetysu, Kyzylorda and Turkestan regions, which differ in contrasting natural and climatic conditions, heterogeneous soil and vegetation cover, different degrees of aridity and anthropogenic pressure. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to create an objective digital basis for assessing the state of pastures, clarifying their spatial distribution and substantiating permissible grazing load at the district level. The source materials included regional and district administrative boundaries, medium-resolution satellite imagery, digital land-use layers, results of visual expert interpretation and field data on species composition, projective cover, grass height, productivity and forage value of pasture vegetation. The methodology included the development of a spatial database, delineation of pasture lands, exclusion of non-pasture objects, calculation of vegetation biophysical parameters and comparison of satellite information with field survey data. Differences in natural zones, seasonal dynamics of grass cover and spectral homogeneity of plant formations were also considered when selecting test polygons. GIS processing produced digital pasture maps for five regions and assessed LAI, FAPAR and FCOVER, which characterize leaf biomass development, photosynthetic activity and the fraction of the surface covered by green vegetation. The results revealed pronounced regional differentiation of pasture condition: more favorable values of biophysical parameters were recorded for Almaty and Zhetysu regions, whereas pastures in Turkestan, Zhambyl and Kyzylorda regions were characterized by more limited bioproductive potential. Field geobotanical surveys made it possible to refine vegetation formation types, verify interpretation results and improve the reliability of thematic mapping. The obtained materials can be used for rational pasture use, spatial planning of grazing load, development of district-level standards and prevention of degradation of pasture ecosystems in southern Kazakhstan.