Spectral analysis and mapping of unregulated and regulated landfills in Bulgaria

The study of unregulated and regulated (legal and illegal) landfills on the basis satellite and field data allows complex monitoring and analysis of waste sites. This approach combines high-resolution satellite imagery to identify and map landfills with detailed field observations to verify data and assess their condition. This provides up-to-date information on the location, volume and potential impact of landfills on the environment, which is critical for effective waste management and nature conservation. The study covers examples of different NUTS 2 planning areas (under the Regional Development and Improvement Act) such as South East (BG 41) and South Central (BG 42). The data generated is for a period of at least five years. Regulated landfills are of national importance and selected events from the territory of Bulgaria have been investigated and monitored through a complex approach based on satellite data, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and ground-based spectrometric equipment, a thermal camera and an Automatic recording weather station (AWG).The optical monitoring indices used are Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI),Tasseled cap transformation (TCT) and Normalized Differential Greenness Index (NDGI). The satellite data used are Sentinel 2MSI, Landsat 9 (OLI/TIRS), Sentinel 3 SLTRS and Sentinel 1SAR. The study of landfills based on complex methods of remote sensing and validation of the results through ground data brings significant benefits to the administration, society and NGOs. It facilitates the identification and monitoring of illegal landfills and dumps, supports the planning of cleanup measures and pollution prevention. This improves waste management, protects the environment and ensures a healthier life for people, while reducing costs for society and administration in the long term.