Estudio del uso de imágenes satelitales multitemporales y multisensor, para la identificación del cambio de cobertura a causa de la minería ilegal en el municipio de Istmina

Abstract

Illegal mining in Colombia presents an urgent and complex challenge with severe environmental, economic, and social repercussions, as well as significant difficulties for governmental management. This project focuses on identifying the most effective method to detect, quantify, and monitor this illicit activity using advanced remote sensing technologies and geospatial analysis. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using remote sensor data, including optical and radar information from satellite constellations such as Landsat and Sentinel, covering the period from 2014 to 2023. The municipality of Istmina in Chocó was selected as the study area due to its high incidence of illegal mining. Throughout the project, various image analysis and processing activities were performed to assess the impacts of illegal mining on deforestation. The integral approach included preprocessing radar and optical data, land cover classification, multitemporal image comparison, change detection zone generation, and the application of synergistic techniques. The ultimate goal is to identify the optimal method to support monitoring efforts by governmental entities, particularly under adverse natural conditions such as high cloud cover and rugged terrain. This study will provide a detailed insight into the issue of illegal mining in Istmina, facilitating informed decision-making through the use of satellite technologies and promoting public awareness of this critical issue.