Utilization of SAR Data for Baseline Environmental Studies of Central Cebu Island, Philippines ? Phase 1

The Remote Sensing Group of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has acquired SAR data of the Central Cebu Island for its research study area. The MGB is one of the proponent of DOST-NASA PACRIM II Project, which is composed of eleven (11) agencies and institutions in the Philippines, that focuses on the scientific application of radar data with the theme on hazard and natural resources management. The PACRIM II Project, being done on three-year term, is slated for completion in the year 2004. The main thrust of the project study of the MGB is the baseline environmental monitoring studies, on which the data are to be fused with some other available data from LandSAT and photogrammetry. The generated data is part of the information for the update of thematic mapping being done. The 12 ${\times}$ 60 km swath AirSAR data covers the Central Cebu Island. The highlights of conducting this research project are: Extent of Watershed Basin boundaries - identification of the tributaries that drain water supply to the metropolitan area; Monitoring of the mountain highways - identification of landslide risk prone sites as part of natural hazard monitoring on a national highway that cuts along the mountainous areas; and Coastline change assessment - monitoring the coastline activities relative to the rapid urbanization and exposure as part of coastal management. The Phase 1 of this report discusses the fusion with the ArcView generated data as baseline studies on the monitoring activities.