GIS Based Assessment and Analysis of Terrain Variables in Kampung Baru, Jeli, Kelantan

Abstract

Kampung Baru is one part of Jeli district that has abundant natural resources and contains several geological features of interest.The landscape of this area is divided into three parts which are mountainous, hilly, and plain areas. This research aims to perform terrain analysis and determine the suitability zone for the construction area. To achieve the objective, the mapping aspect is mainly based on field observations such as geomorphological features, elevation, drainage patterns, etc. Besides, elevation data extracted from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was employed to characterize the physical features of the landscape for terrain mapping and analysis. All this field-related data was then processed in ArcGIS software to generate thematic maps. The terrain classification was carried out based on five terrain variables: slope gradient, terrain code, activity code, erosion & instability. Then, the suitability of the site for development and construction is created using the terrain attributes. There were five types of classes created in the study area: class I (37.9 %), class II (23.3 %), class III (1.7 %), class IV (29.3 %), and class IV cut slope (7.6 %). The study area was dominated by class I, which means it has few geotechnical constraints and is highly suitable for development. Some cutting and filling of slopes are not expected to be difficult due to their low elevation. From the slope terrain analysis, only 4.89 % of the site is covered by a very steep slope (>60°). The site is mainly high slopes (35° - 60°), equal to 32.20% of the total area, with most of it contributed by the cut slopes. Gently sloping (5° - 15°) to moderate slope rate (15° - 25°) covers about 19.93% and 14.19% of the area respectively. The percentage of flat to gently sloping (0° - 15°) area is shown as 15.34 % of the project site. In conclusion, the parameters including the map prepared using the Weighted Overlay Method (WOM) can be beneficial to engineering geology for the planning of site investigations, preliminary design of foundation systems, and the project layout of the research area.