Use of remote sensing in determining the environmental effects of open pit mining and monitoring the recultivation process

Remote Sensing is conventionally used for detection of land cover change caused by open-pit mining actiiities. It also provides an econonimic, fast and accurate solution for planning and monitoring of rehabilitation processes. Open pit coal mining has been maintained in Kilyos - Karaburun region (Istanbul) for about 50 years. In this study, a SPOT 5 satellite image acquired on October, 2009 has been used for land cover mapping. First, the natural and the post-formed land cover types (such as vegetation removed surface and artificial pit lakes) were defined as thematic classes. Then, image analyzing methods were applied in two steps as segmentation and classification. The classes were evaluated with respect to their location, area and distribution. Besides, use and advantages of remote sensing for rehabilitation process were also presented. Classified satellite images can be used as base maps, both for analyzing the environmental effects and spatial planning and management of the region for the future use.