Estudio geoespacial mediante imágenes satelitales del recurso agua y suelo, para la definición de zonas de riesgo a inundación y deslizamiento en la sierra norte

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the geospatial conditions of water and soil resources in the northern highlands of Ecuador, using satellite images to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides. Through a multitemporal analysis of satellite images, which allows us to generate thematic maps of the characterization of drainage patterns, soil types, surface runoff, vegetation cover and slopes of the terrain. These maps were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS) to perform the multi-criteria evaluation, considering factors such as land use, topographic humidity index, surface runoff, FAO slope classification and climatic water balance in the region, considering one year with excess water and another with water deficit. Thus, it was possible to delimit areas vulnerable to flood and landslide risks, which will contribute to the preparation of risk management plans and to better decision-making for the mitigation of negative impacts on the most vulnerable communities in the region. These results demonstrate the great importance of remote sensing and geospatial tools in the evaluation of natural resources and disaster prevention that have been generated over the years.