Application of satellite remote sensing techniques in land use and land cover pattern analysis of the Nakuru-Nyahururu area

SPOT and LANDSAT-5 TM space images have been utilised to analyse land use cover characteristics and patterns in a section of the Aberdare Detachment system sub-basin, the Nakuru-Nyahururu area, Kenya. Good ground resolution of both data show significant details of the land use cover patterns and linear patterns of fault scarps. The synoptic view suggests, NNE, NE and NW trending scarps and associated grabens and plateaus. Spectral analysis of photographic products is made. A multitemporal approach is adopted and based on image characteristics, four areas of land use cover types have been identified: (i) agricultural and forest covered areas (ii) semi-arid intensely fault dissected north west (iii) down-faulted, tilted fault blocks (plateaus) (iv) Menengai volcanic caldera. A ground truth survey is made and with collateral data maps of land use are compiled