Mapping Waste-disposal Sites in Riyadh

Abstract

A digital SAR image from the Canadian satellite Radarsat covering the city of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was used to test the potential of spaceborne SAR systems for mapping waste-disposal sites. A PCI software was used to perform the various image processing operations. The results show that high resolution SAR imagery from space platforms could be a viable tool for the inventory of waste-disposal sites. This is an important conclusion for a big city like Riyadh where disposed waste should be regularly monitored in order to compact its adverse effects on the environment.