A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997

The objectives of this study are: (1) to identify the geomorphological and soil characteristics through image processing, map overlay, and integration of image processing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques; (2) to verify geomorphological and soil characteristics extracted from the previous step in the field; (3) to make the geomorphological and soil maps of the study area in the scale of 1: 50,000; and (4) to analyze the soil profile development in each landform unit. The methodology of this research is a combination of remote sensing/GIS and field observation techniques. Image processing was used for generating new bands (band ratio, principle component) and band combinations. Image interpretation for geomorphology-soil was done manually. GIS techniques was used for data storage including both spatial and attributes data, data management, data manipulation, and data display in the form of final maps. Field observation was designed for field checks of the information which was extracted from images and map interpretation. A complete soil profile description is one of the data types which had to be determined fully from field observation. The results of this study show that the integration of remote sensing and GIS is possible for extracting geomorphological characteristics, i.e., meso relief, ridge form, break of slope, slope form, slope steepness, slope length, drainage pattern, valley form, drainage condition, erosion intensity, landslide, outcrop, geological structure, and parent rock/material. All of these could be used to approach soil characteristics. Information about meso relief, ridge form, break of slope, slope length, drainage pattern, valley form, outcrop, geological structure which can be directly extracted from images were found to be validated in the field. Other information should be checked carefully in the field. Soil mapping using a geomorphological approach, particularly using geomorphological process approach, has advantages in reducing the number of soil samples, time expenditure, and budget for soil mapping. Soil profile development could be analyzed from soil taxonomic unit. Soil color indices is another way to analyze soil profile development but it fit just for iron-rich soil. The clay ratio between different horizons can be used to analyze soil profile development for all soil in the study are.