Digital Mapping of Village Boundary of Mizoram using Remote Sensing and GIS

The project “Digital Mapping of Village Boundary of Mizoram using Remote Sensing and GIS” was undertaken by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre as an in-house initiative to establish a standardized, spatially referenced database of village administrative boundaries across the State. The study recognized that clearly defined village jurisdictions are fundamental to decentralized planning, infrastructure development, resource allocation and implementation of area-specific government programmes. Its principal objective was to prepare accurate village-boundary maps using satellite imagery, Survey of India topographic sheets and departmental land records, and to preserve the resulting spatial and attribute information in digital form for future use by MRSAC and other government agencies.

The project covered the entire 21,087 sq. km geographical area of Mizoram, comprising the eight districts of Mamit, Kolasib, Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Saiha, including areas administered by the Lai, Mara and Chakma Autonomous District Councils. The primary remote-sensing input was IRS-1D LISS-III imagery with 23.5 m spatial resolution, acquired in January 2006. This was supplemented by Survey of India topographic maps at 1:50,000 scale, records supplied by the Land Revenue and Settlement Department, collateral administrative information and field observations. Image registration and interpretation were carried out using ERDAS Imagine, while boundary digitization, database preparation and spatial integration were undertaken in ARC/INFO GIS.

The methodology consisted of pre-field, field and post-field stages. Existing maps and departmental records were initially compiled and compared with geometrically corrected satellite imagery. Doubtful boundary sections and village locations were subsequently verified through field surveys using handheld GPS instruments. In inaccessible areas, information was obtained through consultations with Village Council members and local residents. Following field verification, the boundaries were corrected, cross-checked and incorporated into district-wise and statewide digital maps.

The completed assessment documented 709 villages, 23 notified towns and 158 urban wards across the eight districts. Lunglei District recorded the largest number of villages at 159, closely followed by Lawngtlai with 158, while Serchhip had the fewest at 34. Aizawl District contained the highest number of urban wards, reflecting the concentration of population and administrative functions around the State capital. A consolidated village-boundary map for the whole of Mizoram was also prepared at 1:250,000 scale, supported by detailed district and town maps.

A major outcome of the project was the identification and correction of inconsistencies in earlier village-boundary records through the integration of departmental information, satellite data and ground evidence. The resulting GIS database provides an important baseline for village-level administration, rural development, census analysis, infrastructure planning, land and natural-resource management, watershed programmes and equitable allocation of development schemes. Overall, the project demonstrated the effectiveness of Remote Sensing, GIS and participatory field verification for establishing reliable administrative boundaries and supporting evidence-based micro-level planning in Mizoram.

Summarized Metadata

Mapping Scale: 1:50,000 

Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D – LISS III (2006)

Thematic sub-category: Administrative, Village boundary

Collaborating/Funding Agency: Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre

Report Publication Month/Year: March, 2008