Application of remote sensing and GIS techniques for exploring construction material from inaccessible terrains; case study in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Demand for construction materials in the North and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka has risen significantly due to accelerated construction work in progress to restore the destroyed infrastructures during the civil war. Ground surveying methods to locate quarries within this area are not applicable due to security reasons and the larger area to be covered. Thus a Remote Sensing method is suitable for this task. This study introduces a methodology to locate suitable quarries and sand mines for constructions in the Eastern province. LANDSAT ETM+ images were used for classification. Feasible rocks and sand deposits for quarry operations were located using Multicriteria Analysis (AHP).The highly suitable rock quarries and sand deposits were considered in closest facility analysis. The results showed that the integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) can serve as an effective tool in demarcating suitable sites for construction material and this methodology can also be applied for projects of similar nature.