Geological mapping of North Wazirstan, Pakistan using remotely sensed images

Abstract

Digitally enhanced OLI Landsat 8 images were applied for mapping of North Waziristan Pakistan. The territory is rough and without rich vegetation; the exposure of the Waziristan ophiolite, related sedimentary lithologies and inaccessibility to the area made the utilization of Landsat information helpful in this investigation. In the remote sensing investigation, Landsat 8 OLI data were used to make band ratios, band combinations, principal component and image classification methods. Multispectral images were prepared and investigated for this study. On the basis of the image classification techniques; unsupervised classification, five principle lithological units are marked which are giving satisfactory results (about 63.07 %.) when compared with referenced geological map using confusion matrix analysis. The outcomes are very satisfied and need to examine about the utility and confinements of remote sensing strategy on the investigation zone. Further to confirm the results of unsupervised classification, extra investigations might be helpful. As a results, issues confronted during the classification must be considered into all general accuracy.