Land Surface Topographic Change Detection Using Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

This study examines the use of remote sensing technology in the detection of changes on land surface topography which is usually caused by human activities such as mining, building, road constructions, farming, borrow pits and others. The study area is Pampi village in Chanchaga Local Government Area (LGA) of Minna, Niger State where gold mining is taking place. The study was carried out within a minimum of three and maximum interval of five years with effect from year 2000 to 2018. Satellite DEM of the different epochs considered were downloaded and sample data were acquired with DGPS from the study area. These coordinates were converted to shape file in ArcGIS 10.2 and used to extract the elevation from each of the DEM, comparison between the extracted elevations was made and an error matrix was generated. Annual percentage change in elevation was computed. The results showed that the topography of the study area has reduced in elevation by 13.55% as at June 2018 from what it used to be in the year 2000. The research work also predicted the situation in the topography for the next five years using excel forecast function and found out that the annual percentage change in elevation will be approximately 20% by June 2023. The extent and future consequences of mining activity is the ultimate issue this study had addressed and because it has exposed certain parts of the area to erosion and flooding, it is recommended that mining activity should be discouraged and the land reclaimed by the appropriate authority