Monitoring remediation of temporary land use in road construction using remote sensing technique

Abstract

We discussed the potential and problem of applying remote sensing technique on monitoring remediation of temporary land use (tLU) in road construction project, based on two case studies which are ‘Cao-Nan’ and ‘Chao-Hei’ highways in Liaoning province. In either case, we combined three (before, during, and after construction) medium resolution satellite images (Landsat5-TM or HJ-CCD, abbreviated as ‘TM/HJ’) and one high resolution satellite image (abbreviated as ‘HR’). Firstly, doubtful tLU was distinguished from NDVI change (before-during construction) and HR. Secondly, doubtful tLU was checked by field survey. Finally, remediation of tLU was distinguished from NDVI change (during-after construction). Results indicate that remote sensing is another way to validate and complement field survey, which improves objectivity and richness of tLU monitoring. Combining medium and high resolution satellite images was proven to be feasible at present, though it fails when tLU's area is small or tLU is any kind of builder's road, reused field, and borrow (waste) pit set in permanent land use.