The Realization of a Digital Atlas of Wetlands using remote sensing and web mapping case of the Oran region

Abstract Wetlands like any other ecosystem have special conditions that differentiate them from other ecosystems. This difference is reflected by the presence of specific plant species related to these biotopes. Among the humid zones of the wilaya of Oran, the great Sebkha, the marshes of the Macta, the Telamine Lake and the saline of Arzew. These sites are known for their fauna and flora biodiversity. This work aims to develop an operational geomatic approach to delineation, evaluation and exploitation of information on the wetlands of the wilaya of Oran. The Digital Atlas made it possible to discover another aspect of this astonishing diversity of wetlands in the Oran region through a new technique for presenting the results exploited under a web mapping. This presentation shows the importance of wetlands in the Oran region that will allow citizens to become acquainted with the richness, beauty and extent of this heritage, will contribute to the awareness raising of the populations and will constitute a valuable instrument of assessment and evaluation available to decision-makers and professionals in nature management and conservation. The results of this study revealed, among other things, that remote sensing research has many scientific achievements of an operational nature. These can potentially be related to managers' need for tools to inventory and delineate wetlands, monitor the evolution and conservation status of wetland habitats. The Digital Atlas made it possible to discover another aspect of this amazing diversity of wetlands of the Oran region through a new technique of presentation of results exploited under a web mapping.