In the current study the effectiveness of using ASTER satellite
images for surface mapping of swelling soils was demonstrated.
With the applied methodology of the CEM, it was possible
to map the distribution of the montmorillonite clay and
to relatively locate them with the aid of 40 rock and soil samples
collected from the study area. These samples were analyzed
using the spectroradiometer. Possible hazardous sites
from problematic clay minerals are present in the 5 km buffer
zone around Sohag – Safaga highway. It is recommended to
change the road path at the sections that have swelling soils
intersecting with the proposed development areas where it will
be so dangerous for any future construction projects on these
parts