Using satellite images data for updating the vector cartographic basis of thematic maps (using the example of the mountain regions of Ile and Zhetysu Alatau) Selection and Landsat and Sentinel

Abstract

Topographic maps used as the cartographic basis of thematic maps are created on the basis of data from the certain time period and the existing topographic base for the study area was published in 1975-1990, which does not allow visualizing recent changes of the area condition.  One way to solve this problem is to use up-to-date data sources. The problem is successfully solved on the basis of visual and automated use of satellites remote sensing data of medium, high and ultra-high spatial resolution.

The purpose of this article is to conduct comparative analysis of the Earth remote sensing data using the example of Sentinel 2, Landsat-8 satellite images, to consider methods for processing satellite images and use of remote sensing data to update vector layers of the cartographic basis of thematic maps.

As part of the tasks of actualization of the vector layers for updating the cartographic basis of the study area, in this work was used archival and operational medium-resolution data obtained from Landsat and Sentinel-2 series satellites and Sentinel-2 image services, as well as Airbus WorldDEM4Ortho DEM.

The work used the methods of GIS technologies and remote sensing, classification of remote sensing data and comparative analysis, visual and automated interpretation. A set of Python scripts has been generated to filter the collection of Sentinel-2 images and to determine cloudiness and cloud shadow.

The use of remote sensing data made it possible to cover spacious and inaccessible areas of mountainous regions, significantly reducing the costs of data and processing.

As a result, the updated cartographic basis of the studied area was created. The cartographic basis can be used for subsequent analysis of the dynamics and trends in changes of natural and social-economic objects.