GIS and remote sensing techniques for the estimation of dew volume in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

With the help of satellite data and numerical geographical information system (GIS) methods, the total capacity of dew volume on the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia was estimated. Multicriteria GIS analysis and satellite detections with the support of methods such as kriging and semi-kriging gave satisfactory results in the present research. After the download of satellite data, they were compared with meteorological data for precipitation, evaporation and air temperature. A very precise grid in 1 x 1 degrees of longitude and latitude was created. The average estimated dew potential for the territory of Serbia is 20-40 mm.year(-1)for the south of the country, 15 mm.year(-1)for the north, 30-50 mm.year(-1)for the central region and 20-30 mm.year(-1)for the east. In most drought regions, it is lt 10 mm.year(-1).m(-2). Counties with the largest dew capacity (between 15,200 and 20,000 L) include Borski, Nisavski and Jablanicki in the eastern part of the country, as well as Zlatiborski, Raski and Pec in the western and southern parts, respectively. On the other hand, counties with the lowest dew capacity (2,000-3,000 L) encompass northern parts of Serbia (Sremski, Severno-Banatski, Srednje-Banatski, Juzno-Banatski, Severno-Backi and Zapadno-Backi). The possibility for dew use is particularly strong during the spring. The estimated total capacity of the dew potential for Serbia is 1.5 x 10(7)L. By comparing the obtained data for Serbia, it is concluded that the amount of this type of water resource is not large, but enough for use in agricultural and other economic sectors.