Raster Least Cost Approach for Automated Corridor Alignment in Undulated Terrain

Abstract

A raster based route alignment using multi criteria factors created as raster layers is useful for evolving total cost raster layer utilized at different stages for multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The integration of least cost path algorithm into the 3-D view of the terrain or false color composite Remote sensing data can give value addition in planning process and formulation of action plans. The designing of optimum route alignment depends upon the number of factor considered in the process of corridor analysis model for finding the optimum route for alignment to ensure designing of the road from source to a destination within two specified end point locations. The raster data layer on land use and land cover type can be prepared for generating relative cost layer using the image classification algorithms and the slope raster layer can be obtained from the digital Elevation Model. The optimum route has the least cost and it can incorporate parameters on environmental, technical, social, and economic issues. The raster corridor analysis has been implemented to design optimum route alignment between two locations in the Himalayan region of India to consider the suitability of the technique for hill road construction. The details of the same are given in the paper.