Remote sensing and GIS techniques for the environmental management of areas exposed to industrial pollution events

The aim of this paper is to outline the potential of remote sensing and GIS techniques as tools for the management of data rich environments, as complex coastal areas, exposed to industrial pollution phenomena. The area of study, Pianura Pontina is located in central Italy, 70 km south of Rome. In particular the possible patterns of surface and ground waters pollution have been considered. Furthermore the interactions between industrial installations, water resources, protected areas and urban settlements have been analysed. Landsat TM satellite images have been processed in order to obtain a land-use map that has been inserted in a GIS database and integrated with further information like lithology, geological structure and stratigraphy, hydrogeological features, DEM, industrial plants location and characters. This allowed the creation and processing of different thematic maps: vulnerability, risk, impact. The methodology can be a reliable, sensible and easy to update support to competent Authorities in environmental management.