Developing expeditious methodology for mapping asbestos-cement roof coverings over the territory of Lazio Region
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Developing expeditious methodology for mapping asbestos-cement roof coverings over the territory of Lazio Region Lorenza Fiumi & Luca Congedo & Carlo Meoni
Received: 19 July 2012 / Accepted: 31 December 2013 / Published online: 28 January 2014 # Società Italiana di Fotogrammetria e Topografia (SIFET) 2014
Abstract This paper reports the results of a research activity over the territory of Lazio Region for the mapping of asbestoscement (AC) roof coverings in conformance with Law D.M. 101/2003. Through combining data retrieved from Multispectral Infrared Visible Imaging Spectrometer (MIVIS) classification by Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Regional Technical Map (RTM), it was possible to accurately map out the area of interest in reduced time. The maps acquired by applying the Minimum Bounding algorithm were then compared with the Classification and RTM Intersection. The results obtained so far were validated by means of field measurements and can be considered as satisfactory. However, we think it is necessary to highlight how combining MIVIS and RTM data, and using many different software packages, have contributed to give concrete answers to those environmental issues hardly to be investigated and, to open up new, significant prospects for territorial surveys. Keywords Remote sensing . Asbestos-cement (AC) . Spatial analyses
Introduction Unlike the USA, where the use of asbestos is still legal but tightly controlled, on January 1, 2005 (following the directive 76/769/ CEE), the marketing and use of asbestos-containing products were banned throughout the European Union. Prohibition is due to the possible diffusion of asbestos fibers into the environment that, when inhaled for a long period of time, constitute a health hazard leading to asbestosis (mesothelioma), a form of lung cancer (Suzuki et al. 2005; Spurny et al. 1989). This health risk prompted the establishment of strict environmental regulations about working with asbestos and the creation of a policy L. Fiumi (*) : L. Congedo : C. Meoni National Research Council, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, c/o Consorzio per l’Università di Pomezia, Rome, Italy e-mail: [email protected]
intended to forbid the use of asbestos products. In particular, in Italy, asbestos was extracted up until 1994. Its production and manufacture or trades were prohibited by law n.257/92, thereby entrusting the monitoring of buildings to provincial governments. The most recent assessment reported that there are still 2.5∗109 m2 of corrugated asbestos-cement (AC) roofing sheets (available under “Eternit” brand name) equivalent to 32∗106 t of mineral asbestos, in Italian urban areas (Marabini et al. 2002). Therefore, the Italian Public Administration, in conformance with Law D.M. 101/2003, which provides for the mapping of asbestos-containing materials, focused intervention programs on the controlled removal of asbestos-containing roofs from industrial areas and from private buildings. In particular, the Ministry for the Environment, together with the Ministry
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