Remote Sensing and GIS for Thematic Mapping of the Ak-Suu and Isfana River Basins in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS) play a significant role in the thematic mapping to collect, store, analyze, visualize and deliver geospatial data today.  The Ak-Suu and Isfana rivers flow into the Syrdarya river, which is used for irrigation and other purposes in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Thematic mapping of the river basins allow efficient use of natural and water resources in the region to mitigate the existing conflicts over water use by four Central Asian neighboring countries. SRTMGL1 DEM is applied in terrain modeling and river basin boundary delineation. Multispectral Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 images were used in land use and glacier mapping. DEM, glacier, ecosystem, emergency and soil maps are designed and updated based on the cartographic materials, remote sensing, infrastructure and statistical datasets.