Mining land identification in Wetar Island using remote sensing data

Abstract

Wetar Island is one of the 92 outer islands of Indonesia. On this island, there is a variety of geological potential that can be seen from the structure, formation and geological folds including mine geology potential energy and mineral resources. This makes the island having mining activities. Remote sensing data in the form of optical images, Synthetic Aperture Radar, microwave, laser, and others can be used to determine the mining activities in Wetar Island. This research was focused on mining land identification in Wetar Island. This study aimed to identify the mining land in Wetar Island using remote sensing data. The method used was the Vegetation Index Differencing, which calculated difference value of vegetation index temporally. Landsat satellite images of 1975, 1990, 2000 and 2005 were used for mining land identification. First Landsat satellite image must have had a geometric and radiometric correction. The results obtained were in the form of mining land identification and non- mining land area. These results are useful for monitoring the mining activities carried out on Wetar Island. The methods used may also be applied to monitor, identify, and evaluate various mining operations in other parts of Indonesia. Mining region that has been identified can be used for management and planning of maritime space.