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Project Details

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Project Information Sheet 2002-04

A methodology for mapping subsidence associated with underground coal mines in southwestern Indiana

Funding Source:	Indiana Division of Reclamation
Period of Contract:	1 Oct 2001 to 30 Sep 2002
Status:	completed — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Denver Harper

Issue

The project investigated the usefulness of currently existing GIS layers, databases, and commercially available imagery for identifying and classifying undermined areas with regard to the style, distribution, and density of subsidence features that may occur in such areas. In addition, the relationship of subsidence-prone areas to hydrogeologic features was studied.

Objective

Procedures were evaluated for mapping and prioritizing undermined areas with regard to remediation of subsidence or its prevention.

Approach

Imagery that was evaluated for applicability to more wide-scale mapping included multispectral Ikonos Reference Product (1-m resolution) and multispectral LANDSAT TM imagery (30-m resolution). The satellite imagery was compared with conventional low-level aerial photography in selected areas to determine the efficacy of the various remote-sensing techniques.

Benefits

The study determined the usefulness of various types of imagery for mapping subsidence in an urbanizing area above shallow underground mines (less than 100 feet deep) and in agricultural areas above moderately deep (250 to 450 feet) mines.

Locations Affected:

Gibson

Vigo

Warrick

Indiana House Districts Affected:

46

64

74

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

39

47

48

Indiana Congressional Districts Affected:

Information Updated March 6, 2009

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