Floodplain Delineation Using Landsat-1 Data.

A continuous floodplain boundary was drawn on the basis of interpretation of the computer classification of selected Landsat-1 digital MSS data. Within the agricultural and developed portion of the study area, this floodplain correlated quite favorably with the USACE 100-year return period floodplain, which is based on the conventional engineering parameters of streamflow and basin configuration. Within the forested portion of the study area, correlation of the floodplain limits was not as satisfactory. Since the floodplain limit established by remote sensing in the forested area consistently overestimated the USACE 100-year return period floodplain, there is an indication that it could represent the limit of a flood with a return period of more than 100 years. The success realized in this investigation indicates that computer analysis of remotely sensed digital MSS data has the potential of playing a prominent role in the identification and mapping of floodplains. This method could be used to update and verify existing maps or to produce maps in watersheds where none exist and the need for floodplain information to regulate land use is great. The use of remotely sensed digital MSS data would most likely have its greatest application as a tool to complement more conventional floodplain mapping techniques.