Technique of large-scale soil mapping in basaltic terrain using satellite remote sensing data

Abstract The present paper discusses the technique of large-scale soil mapping using remote sensing data. IRS-1C PAN merged data of two seasons, namely late Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (post rainy season), were interpreted visually in conjunction with Survey of India (SOI) toposheet (1:50 000 scale) and available ground data to prepare the physiography–land use (PLU) map. The PLU delineation explained a three-tier approach comprising landform, slope and land use characteristics of a given parcel of land. The first letter in the PLU legend indicates the landform, the second letter denotes slope percentage and the third letter indicates the land use characteristics. Soils occurring in different PLU units were examined and a PLU–soil relationship was developed. The soil map depicting phases of soil series was prepared using ILWIS software. Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to Dr M. Velayutham, Director of the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning for granting permission and financial support to work on the project. Thanks are also due to Mr A. K. Barthwal for the help rendered during interpretation of satellite sensor data. Notes †rksaxena@nbsslup.mah.nic.in Additional informationNotes on contributorsR. K. Saxena †rksaxena@nbsslup.mah.nic.in