Potential analysis of Nipa Palm (Nypa Fruticans) in Singkil

Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) is the plant that grouped in mangrove forest ecosystems which has a great economic potential when developed with a good strategy. The potential of nipa palm in Singkil has not been mapped properly, so that the objective of this research was to analyze the potential of nipa palm in Singkil. Data in this research were obtained directly from observations in the form of ground checks at several research locations and aerial photo data taken directly in the field using UAV vehicles. The results of data obtained through observation and documentation are then processed before being used to validate the results of image data processing. The use of UAV data provides a solution for mapping and monitoring nipa palm with high accuracy as well as a solution to the limited availability of nipa palm data in Singkil. Nipa palm was found spread along the estuary of the Lae Singkil River with total area 768.08 Ha. In the aerial photo taken in Kampong Pulosarok covering an area of 37.01 Ha, it was found that the land covering of nipa palm was 20.12 Ha or 54%. Whereas, in the aerial photo taken in Kampong Kilangan covering an area of 34.41 ha, it was found that the land covering of nipa palm was 22.16 ha or 64%. From the data, it can conclude that the nipa palm potential in Singkil is large.