Development of a Web Mapping Application for grazing resource information in Kordofan, Sudan, by downloading MODIS data automatically via Python

Abstract: In Sahel livestock stands for an important resource. Since livestock is dependent on vegetation as food supply it is important to monitor biomass within the area to be able to assess and adapt to different situations regarding the livestock. Optimally such approximations should be available as early as possible in order for the owners to be able to make decisions while it still makes a difference. If patterns of annual NPP is detected and is identified due to different factors, mitigation can be discussed and food shortage for the livestock be prevented at an early stage. The overall aim of this thesis was to develop a web mapping application that can be used to disseminate grazing resource information as an aid in planning as well as a source for policy and decision making. MODIS data, containing NPP, was downloaded and processed automatically from the United States Geological Survey website through a Python script and was uploaded to ArcGIS Online where the Web Mapping Application is available. Long-term patterns of NPP could be detected by using long term accumulate values of NPP and gives an indication of how the vegetation and relative resource availability fluctuates each year and when there is expected to be the most vegetation and vice versa. The Web Mapping Application developed in this thesis do disseminate grazing information but requires some further implementations before it is a trustworthy aid in planning and decision making. This thesis can, nevertheless, be built upon for further implementation and provide some inspiration in the process.