Multisensor data integration and GIS analysis for Natural Hazard mapping in a semiarid area (Southeast Spain)

Natural Hazards are mostly related to the actuation of active geomorphological-geological processes that condition landform development. The objective of this work is to evaluate a method to combine digital image processing techniques and GIS analysis in order to extract and classify the main terrain attributes that identify Natural Hazard prone areas and to improve the accuracy of the differentiated terrain mapping units. Synergism of multisensor data of different spectral and spatial resolutions (SPOT PAN and Landsat TM images), together with the use of a Digital Elevation Model for rectifying the multisensor data set and for relief quantification contribute to the delineation of terrain mapping units. Additionally, spatial frequency filtering is applied for the enhancement of geomorphological linear features, specially in those images with greater spatial resolution. The resultant integration of Remote Sensing imagery with conventional data (field work and thematic maps) in a GIS is an efficient tool for the assessment and mapping of Natural Hazards. (C) 1998 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.