10/04/2026
📊 Step-by-Step Methodology (Map Preparation)
1. Study Area Selection*
* First, the study area *Gilgit-Haramosh Valley* is selected
Boundary (AOI – Area of Interest) is defined in GIS
2. Data Collection
* Satellite data (e.g., Landsat / MODIS) is collected
* Thermal data (Land Surface Temperature – LST) is obtained
* Other supporting data (land use, elevation, etc.) may also be used
3. Data Preprocessing
* Satellite images are corrected (radiometric & atmospheric correction)
* Cloud removal and image clipping to study area
* Conversion of raw data into usable format
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4. Land Surface Temperature (LST) Calculation
* Thermal bands are used to calculate temperature
* Brightness temperature → converted into *LST*
* Final output: temperature map of the area
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5. Spatio-Temporal Analysis
* Data from different times (years/months) is analyzed
* Changes in temperature patterns over time are studied
6. Index Development (Environmental Criticality Index)
* A thermal-based index is created
* Values are normalized (e.g., 0–1 scale)
* Higher values = higher environmental stress
7. Classification
* Index values are divided into categories:
* Very Low
* Low
* Moderate
* High
* Very High
8. Map Visualization**
* Colors are assigned to each class (e.g., blue → red)
* Final thematic map is created in GIS (ArcGIS / QGIS)
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9. Layout Design
Map elements are added:
* Title
* Legend
* Scale bar
* North arrow
Coordinates
10. Interpretation**
* Central areas = high criticality (red zones)
* Outer areas = low criticality (green/blue zones)
* Results are analyzed for environmental planning
✅ Short Line (if needed)
Satellite thermal data was processed, LST was derived, an environmental criticality index was developed, classified, and visualized using GIS techniques.
