Landsat photo-interpretation for preparation of small scale soil maps through a multistage approach

Landscape units and their sub-divisions were delineated on two LANDSAT photos by visual interpretation on the basis of uniqueness of patterns comprising tone, texture and drainage. Sub-divisions of basalt and granite landscape units could be delineated more precisely with Band 5 photo, while Band 7 photo was found to be superior in respect of the laterite plateau. The soil composition of most of the units was assigned by using data previously collected for the preparation of small scale soil maps adopting a procedure of systematic aerial photo-interpretation with limited selective ground check and authors’ personal knowledge in respect of the remaining units. The resulting soil map has been shown to be superior to existing small scale soil maps for the study area.