Thematic survey of subsurface drainage systems in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper demonstrates advantages of remote sensing (RS) technologies and methods for mapping subsurface drainage systems (DS) in the landscape. It describes a method of DS identification that is based on acquisition of multispectral data from several sources at various times in order to determine the relevant conditions and criteria for visualization of DS features in these images. Analysis of RS data is used to create thematic geodatabases and map layers of the DS, locations of their damage, or local soil waterlogging, providing up-to-date and precise digital records of the condition and location of DS in land parcels. This information is presented as map outputs for seven test localities in the Czech Republic with areas of 10–80 km2. Sample maps are processed in greater detail and at a larger scale to better illustrate the features.