Development of a spectral index and web application for automated marble quarry monitoring: A Sentinel-2 based approach for change detection and monitoring

This study introduces an automated workflow to monitor marble quarry operations using Sentinel-2 satellite data, providing a cost-effective and efficient tool for regulatory oversight focused on environmental sustainability. At the core of this workflow is the Quarry Change Detection Index (QCDI), a new spectral index specifically developed to leverage the unique spectral characteristics of quarry sites, enhancing the detection of land cover changes associated with quarry expansion. To facilitate practical application, a web-based tool was developed using Google Earth Engine and Streamlit. The user-centric design of this platform features an intuitive interface, allowing users to easily select parameters, visualize data, and conduct interactive analyses. The application supports broad-scale temporal and spatial monitoring, enabling more effective oversight of quarry activities. The QCDI demonstrated high accuracy in detecting quarry-related changes, outperforming existing indices like the New Built-up Index (NBI) by reducing false positives and refining detection precision. Integrating the QCDI into an automated, scalable system offers regulatory agencies a robust solution for monitoring compliance and promoting sustainable practices within the quarrying industry. This research underscores the potential of combining spectral analysis with remote sensing to advance environmentally responsible development and improve regulatory effectiveness in industrial landscapes.