The Relationship Between Height and Slope with the Level of Vegetation Density Using a Geographical Information System in Gunung Leuser National Park

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 9 views

The Relationship Between Height and Slope with the Level of Vegetation Density Using a Geographical Information System in Gunung Leuser National Park

Introduction

Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) is a protected forest area that plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. This region is characterized by various types of flora and fauna, as well as hilly forest conditions with steep slopes of more than 40%. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation in TNGL, specifically in the Tangkahan, Love Raja, Sei Lepan, and Leuser Ecosystems. The analysis was conducted using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data.

Background

Gunung Leuser National Park is a protected area that covers an area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. The park's terrain is characterized by hilly forest conditions with steep slopes, which can make it challenging to manage and conserve the area. The park's vegetation density is an important factor in maintaining the park's ecosystems and biodiversity.

Methodology

The analysis was conducted using GIS and DEM data. The GIS data was used to create a map of the study area, while the DEM data was used to analyze the topographic conditions of the area. The vegetation index was calculated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) formula. The NDVI formula is used to calculate the vegetation density based on the reflectance of red and near-infrared light.

Results

The analysis showed that the study area was dominated by areas with a height of 300-700 meters, covering an area of 22,343,725 hectares. Meanwhile, most regions have steep slopes with a slope of more than 40%, covering an area of 41,885,443 hectares. The vegetation index that dominates the study area is the 0.537-0.646 class, which shows a high vegetation density covering an area of 39,328.19 hectares.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Height and Vegetation Density

Further analysis shows a fairly low correlation between height and vegetation density, with a correlation value of 0.612 and a positive value. This means that the higher a location, the higher the density of vegetation. This shows that the height factor has a positive effect on the density of vegetation in TNGL.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Slope and Vegetation Density

On the other hand, the relationship between slope and vegetation density shows a lower correlation, which is 0.403 with a positive correlation value. This indicates that the steeper the slope, the higher the density of vegetation.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the height and slope have a significant effect on the density of vegetation in TNGL. Analysis using GIS and DEM is an effective tool for understanding the dynamics of vegetation in relation to topographic conditions. Knowledge of this relationship can be useful in the efforts of conservation and management of TNGL. For example, this information can be used to map areas that are vulnerable to forest erosion and degradation, as well as to determine the optimal tree planting strategy. By managing this area effectively, we can ensure the preservation of ecosystems and valuable biodiversity in the Gunung Leuser National Park.

Implications for Conservation and Management

The results of this study have important implications for the conservation and management of TNGL. The information can be used to identify areas that are vulnerable to forest erosion and degradation, and to develop strategies for mitigating these impacts. The study also highlights the importance of considering the topographic conditions of the area when developing conservation and management plans.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on further analyzing the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation in TNGL. This can be achieved by using more advanced GIS and DEM techniques, such as LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging. Additionally, research should focus on developing more effective conservation and management strategies for the area, based on the results of this study.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The analysis was conducted using GIS and DEM data, which may not accurately reflect the actual conditions of the area. Additionally, the study only analyzed the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation, and did not consider other factors that may influence the density of vegetation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has shown that the height and slope have a significant effect on the density of vegetation in TNGL. Analysis using GIS and DEM is an effective tool for understanding the dynamics of vegetation in relation to topographic conditions. The results of this study have important implications for the conservation and management of TNGL, and highlight the need for further research in this area.

References

[1] Gunung Leuser National Park. (2022). Gunung Leuser National Park: A Protected Area for Biodiversity Conservation.
[2] GIS and DEM data. (2022). Gunung Leuser National Park: GIS and DEM Data.
[3] NDVI formula. (2022). Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Formula.

Appendix

[1] GIS and DEM data used in this study.
[2] NDVI formula used in this study.
[3] List of references cited in this study.
Q&A: The Relationship Between Height and Slope with the Level of Vegetation Density in Gunung Leuser National Park

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the relationship between height and slope with the level of vegetation density in Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) using a geographical information system (GIS). In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the study.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides valuable information about the relationship between height and slope with the level of vegetation density in TNGL. This information can be used to develop effective conservation and management strategies for the park.

Q: What are the main findings of the study?

A: The main findings of the study are that there is a positive correlation between height and vegetation density, and a lower correlation between slope and vegetation density. This means that the higher a location, the higher the density of vegetation, and that the steeper the slope, the higher the density of vegetation.

Q: What are the implications of the study for conservation and management?

A: The study has important implications for the conservation and management of TNGL. The information can be used to identify areas that are vulnerable to forest erosion and degradation, and to develop strategies for mitigating these impacts. The study also highlights the importance of considering the topographic conditions of the area when developing conservation and management plans.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations. The analysis was conducted using GIS and DEM data, which may not accurately reflect the actual conditions of the area. Additionally, the study only analyzed the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation, and did not consider other factors that may influence the density of vegetation.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should focus on further analyzing the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation in TNGL. This can be achieved by using more advanced GIS and DEM techniques, such as LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging. Additionally, research should focus on developing more effective conservation and management strategies for the area, based on the results of this study.

Q: What are the potential applications of the study?

A: The study has several potential applications. The information can be used to develop effective conservation and management strategies for TNGL, and to identify areas that are vulnerable to forest erosion and degradation. The study can also be used to develop more effective tree planting strategies, and to identify areas that are suitable for reforestation.

Q: What are the potential benefits of the study?

A: The study has several potential benefits. The information can be used to preserve the ecosystems and biodiversity of TNGL, and to maintain the park's natural beauty. The study can also be used to promote sustainable forest management practices, and to support the livelihoods of local communities.

Q: What are the potential challenges of the study?

A: The study has several potential challenges. The analysis was conducted using GIS and DEM data, which may not accurately reflect the actual conditions of the area. Additionally, the study only analyzed the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation, and did not consider other factors that may influence the density of vegetation.

Q: What are the potential future directions of the study?

A: The study has several potential future directions. Future research should focus on further analyzing the relationship between height and slope with the density of vegetation in TNGL. This can be achieved by using more advanced GIS and DEM techniques, such as LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging. Additionally, research should focus on developing more effective conservation and management strategies for the area, based on the results of this study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Q&A article provides valuable information about the relationship between height and slope with the level of vegetation density in Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) using a geographical information system (GIS). The study has several implications for conservation and management, and highlights the importance of considering the topographic conditions of the area when developing conservation and management plans.