Change detection of structures in the earthquake hazard zoning map of Eskisehir City, Turkey, by using satellite images

Abstract

Geological and geotechnical studies play a key role in the successful planning of urban areas. The importance of these studies gains more importance for countries which are under the threat of natural hazards, such as earthquakes. The -zmit earthquake of 17 August 1999 has shown that the interpretation and analyses of geological and geotechnical data is also important for the planning of the urban areas of Turkey. The city of Eskisehir has also suffered from the -zmit earthquake. Therefore, it was found necessary to conduct such an investigation in the Eskisehir urban area. To achieve this goal, geological and geotechnical studies were started soon after the earthquake. Earthquake is a phenomenon which is related to the amplification of earthquake energy, liquefaction and occurrence of fault zones. Therefore, the studied area was subdivided into four different classes according to their soil types and their convenience for construction purposes. Change detection of these area were then performed by using the satellite images of the years 1987 and 1999, related with the structures occupied in these areas. Finally, an interpretation was made for the whole studied area and structural changes in each class were determined for the analyzed years