Integrated remote sensing and GIS approach for water quality analysis of Kwan Phayao Lake Thailand

Abstract

Kwan Phayao is the largest water source in the northern region of Thailand, and it is surrounded by agricultural activities and community lifestyles which have effects on changes of water quality in each area at each period of time. The purpose of this study was to apply the technology of geographic information system (GIS) in combination with satellite data images. The GIS was used together with the field survey to inspect and measure the water quality in order to find out the relationship between the satellite images and the spectral reflectance as indicators of the water quality by using the satellite for reducing the expense and period of the field survey. In the study, the field survey was performed at 3 measuring points (K10, K14, and K19) at the area of Kwan Phayao in 2010, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021. During the study period, the LANDSAT 5 and LANDSAT 8 satellites had relationship with various parameters used in the survey such as total dissolved solids (TDS) (temperature, conductivity, and pH both in winter and the dry season, but with low relationship in the rainy season. The application of the satellite images in this study can lead to the guidelines for planning the follow up of the water quality inspection in every area in Kwan Phayao and other water sources in a quick, accurate, and economic way for sustainable resource management.