Quality evaluation of land reclamation in mining area based on remote sensing

Several deficiencies exist in the present evaluation of land reclamation quality in mining areas. These include the absence of an established set of evaluation index systems and standard acceptance criteria, as well as the use of traditional sampling techniques, which are costly and in efficiency, and time-consuming. Compared with the traditional sampling survey methods, remote sensing has the advantages of a wide detection range, diverse information collection, multiple data-acquiring strategies, high speed, and short cycle. In this study, we used the Xinzhuang coal mining field in Yongcheng, Henan Province as an example to extract information and invert surface parameters using remote sensing techniques, based on national and local reclamation regulations and standards. Subsequently, using remote sensing, we constructed an index system for evaluating land reclamation quality in three aspects: reclaiming project quality, soil quality, and ecological benefits. Through the grading standards of evaluation indicators and quantitative remote sensing models, we determined the extracted information on the area of indicators, roads, ditches, soil moisture, organic matter, and ecological benefits after reclamation. Based on this, we established a quality evaluation model for mining land reclamation using an improved index and method. The evaluation units were divided, and the weight of the evaluation index was determined using the analytic hierarchy process and data envelopment analysis (AHP–DEA) method. The land reclamation quality in the study area was comprehensively evaluated, field accuracy was verified, and the results were analyzed. The results show that, except for the removal of roads, houses, and fishponds in the study area, all 13 evaluation units achieved a score of 60 points or higher. The quality of reclamation met the standards, and the evaluation results were consistent with the conclusions of the field investigation and project acceptance report, demonstrating the reliability and feasibility of the method developed in this study. The research results will provide technical support for the scientific evaluation of land reclamation quality.