THEMATIC MAPPING OF SUBTIDAL COASTAL HABITATS IN THE WESTERN ARABIAN GULF USING LANDSAT TM DATA - ABU ALI BAY, SAUDI-ARABIA

Landsat-5 data provide information related to bathymetry and bottom type variations as registered by three water-penetrating bands. In this study, band 1 and band 2 data were used for mapping of subtidal coastal habitats in the Abu Ali Bay, Gulf Coast of Saudi Arabia. The method used here is based on eigenvector rotation of the two bands to enhance bottom type variations. The eigenvector rotation reduced the effect of water depth variations on bottom types. The results are presented as a colour-coded image showing five major habitats in Abu Ali Bay.