African Journal of Soil Science

ISSN 2375-088X

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 8 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Soil mapping approach in GIS using Landsat satellite imagery and DEM data

Ertugrul Aksoy, Gökhan Özsoy* and M. Sabri Dirim

Uludag University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science, 16059 Görükle-Bursa, Turkey.

Accepted 12 October, 2019

Abstract

The objective of this study was to create base soil survey maps of the studied lands using Landsat satellite imagery and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data in a GIS framework. Specific goals were to generate soil maps and to test the usage probability of slope class map overlies colour composite images as a preliminary map for soil survey in a hilly terrain. Surrogate soil-landscape data layers were derived from Landsat satellite imagery and a 10 m DEM. The data were also used to produce 3D-view with slope class boundaries superimposed Landsat image and relief shaded map as a colour map in order to select possible site of soil profile pits and to define physiographic units. Six soil series formed on two different physiographic units were determined, described and sampled. Soil profiles have been classified according to Soil Taxonomy and FAO-Unesco soil map of the World legend classification systems. The methodology was adequate for soil survey and mapping of some types of soils.

Key words: Soil survey, soil mapping, soil classification, GIS, DEM, satellite data.