As part of our ongoing exploration of Earth Observation for environmental monitoring, we have been assessing how readily satellite data can be used to track land–use change over time.
Specifically, we have been exploring whether Earth Observation can track the growth, expansion, and restoration of Quarry sites. The maps below focus on a Quarry site near Kilrathmurry, Co Kildare and were produced by Mallon Colleague Sita Karki.
Kilrathmurry Area Quarry Site Maps
Under current environmental regulations, quarry operators are expected to restore extraction areas to a more natural condition once operations cease. However, satellite imagery not only supports monitoring of restoration efforts, but it also enables observation of site expansion, contraction, and surface changes throughout the quarry’s lifecycle.
To demonstrate this, we used Sentinel–2 imagery from the European Space Agency, which provides freely available multispectral data in visible (RGB) and near–infrared bands. Using summer imagery from 2017, 2021, and 2025, we produced a series of RGB composites to visualise how the quarry’s extent and surface characteristics have evolved over time.
In addition, we created Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NVDI) maps for the same years to highlight areas of vegetation growth and recovery. NDVI is a widely used remote–sensing index that measures vegetation health by comparing reflected light in the red and near–infrared wavelengths. Higher NDVI values indicate healthy vegetation, while lower values represent bare or disturbed ground.
The NDVI Maps clearly distinguish vegetated zones (shown in green) from non–vegetated areas such as exposed rock or soil. Some bare patches visible outside the quarry boundary correspond to nearby agricultural fields and are not part of this analysis.
Interestingly, during this study, we observed that many quarries across the wider region appear to remain unrestored, suggesting that rehabilitation work for older sites is either still in planning or yet to commence. This made it challenging to locate fully restored examples, underscoring an ongoing opportunity to improve restoration monitoring using satellite data.
Overall, this case study illustrates how Earth Observation provides a simple yet powerful way to track the growth, reduction, or restoration of quarry sites. Sentinel–2 imagery offers an accessible, cost–effective resource for visualising landscape change, assessing environmental impacts, and supporting sustainable land–management decisions.
Further Information
For further information about the methods used to produce the maps above or to discuss your Earth Observation requirements, contact us below.
