Geohazard Evaluation of Bukit Merah/ Malaysia using Geospatial Information Technique

Abstract

Geospatial technology (that includes Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System GIS) has opened up opportunities for qualitative analyses of sinkholes distribution with multi thematic maps to define the relationship of GIS database. Kinta Valley have been deteriorating dramatically as a result of changes that had occurred in the past and continues due to the close relationship between the fast rate of lateral urbanization and extensive dimensional expansion of surface mining and quarrying activities, where sinkholes are the main crux of the geohazard in Kinta Valley. Geospatial information system for sinkholes had been established using pictorial, tabular and ancillary data to build a relational GIS database. The application is capable of analyzing an entire data set of sinkholes to create sinkholes distribution map. The objective of this paper is to highlight the value of Geospatial Information System as a tool to define sinkhole distribution and change detection for geohazard evaluation.

Keywords: Geospatial, Karst, Sinkholes distribution, Geohazard, Malaysia.