The Potential Of Geomatics In The Realization Of A Map Of Desertification Sensitivity Southern Massif Belezma - Batna - (Algeria)

Abstract. Desertification is the gradual and sustained reduction in the quantity and quality of the biological productivity of arid and semi-arid land.

The study area is located in the North Eastern part of Algeria, it has a rich heritage in its biodiversity, however weather conditions and adverse human reality, induce a degradation of the physical environment in the form of a regression of vegetation cover. To assess desertification in our study area map of desertification sensitivity is a tool for decision support.

For the realization of this Map we used the ArcGis software applied a methodology which is inspired by the concept MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use, 1999) by crossing four thematic layers that may have an impact on the process of desertification.

The results of Cartography and statistical analysis permit the classification of our region in terms of sensitivity to desertification in four very important classes. (Not affected, Insensitive, Sensitive and highly sensitive).

More than 69.92% of the surface area were classified sensitive to very sensitive, For against 30.07% is classified in unallocated insensitive.

Planning restoration work and the fight against desertification are expected to limit the risk of desertification in the study area perspectives.