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Thailand
The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, situated 17 kilometres from central Pattaya, is a 272-hectare tourist destination that attracts over 5,000 visitors daily. Satellite imagery can provide botanical gardens like Nong Nooch with crucial data to assess vegetation health, optimise garden design and enhance their conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of their diverse botanical collections.
Satellite imagery can be an invaluable tool for botanical gardens, providing a wealth of benefits and insights. One of its primary applications is land cover and land use mapping, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the extent and distribution of different vegetation types within the garden. By analysing satellite imagery, researchers and garden managers can gain insights into the diversity and composition of plant species present, as well as detect changes and trends over time.
Monitoring vegetation patterns through satellite imagery plays a crucial role in assessing biodiversity within the botanical garden. It helps identify areas of high conservation value, highlighting regions that require special attention and protection. This information is vital for effective habitat management and conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of important ecosystems and rare plant species.
Additionally, satellite imagery aids in assessing the health and vitality of plant species. By analysing vegetation indices derived from satellite data, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), it is possible to identify stress factors, monitor plant growth and optimize irrigation strategies to ensure the overall well-being of the garden.
Furthermore, satellite imagery provides a comprehensive view of the garden's landscape, allowing for informed decision-making and enhanced conservation efforts. It can help in identifying potential areas for expansion or the development of new gardens.
Its history dates back to 1954 when Mr. Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha acquired a plot for a fruit plantation. Inspired by beautiful gardens during their travels, Mrs. Nongnooch transformed the property into a stunning display of flowers and ornamental plants, opening it to the public in 1980.
The park is divided into various sections, allowing visitors to embark on a pleasant and well-structured journey along footbridges and bridges. Notable areas include the French and European gardens, the Bromeliaceae and Orchid gardens boasting 670 listed specimens, the Pottery Garden, Butterfly Hill, and a replica of Stonehenge.
Adding to its charm, the garden features life-sized dinosaur exhibits representing the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Visitors can marvel at a variety of dinosaurs, including diplodocus, pterosaurs, camptosaurs, tyrannosaurs, triceratops, velociraptors, gigantoraptors, as well as giant versions of insects like ladybugs, beetles, and bugs.
The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden also serves as a prominent scientific centre focusing on palm trees and Cycas, among other large tree plants. Moreover, the garden boasts an expansive nursery spanning several dozen hectares, one of the largest in Thailand, and a dedicated training centre.
