Tailing modelled and measured spectrum for mine tailing mapping in tunisian semi-arid context

Mine tailings may have a widespread geographical distribution; their location and extent may also vary along time, due to reprocessing and disposal activities. Remote sensing techniques have been proven extremely valuable in the inventory, characterization, and remediation of mine tailings else where. In this study we focus on mine tailing mapping around Jebel Hallouf-Bouaouane mine using Landsat multispectral data. Field spectral data, measured on the ground by a spectroradiometer are very important and needed for mine tailing classification. These informations, more faithful to the natural conditions, are unavailable in some dates. Our methodology is based on a Spectral Modelling Approach SMA using the JPL reflectance library. The main contribution is to evaluate the tailing modelled reflectance proposed to replace the lack of the field data needed for mine tailing mapping. Linear spectral unmixing is applied for mine tailing map generation using the tailing modelled spectrum, the ASD measured spectrum and the ETM+ derived spectrum. The comparison of results indicate that the SMA approach can be applied successfully to multispectral data analysis, particularly those acquired during previous periods. The SMA can be an optimal solution to replace the lack of measured field data (by the spectroradiometer).