Abstract: In the paper, the method of change detection based on principal component analysis (PCA) is summarized. Reasonable workflow of change detection is designed by practical experience requirement of earthquake emergency work. Using the workflow on QuickBird image before and after the Algeria earthquake, landslides and building collapses caused by the earthquake are recognized successfully. The experiments prove that the designed change detection workflow has a certain practicality, which can accurately extract damage area after earthquake. It is a beneficial try to apply change detection technology to earthquake emergency work.

Key words: Earthquake damage, Change detection, Principal component analysis