Estimation of spatiotemporal variation of land use/ land cover in Babylon Governorate using remote sensing data during the period 1993-2020

Abstract

Land use/ land cover (LULC) changes over time are a crucial indicator to understanding the environmental and economic dynamics of any region. Satellite remote sensing data provide a valuable source of information to monitor LULC changes at different spatial and temporal scales. This study used a time series of satellite image outputs to analyze LULC changes in Babylon Governorate over a period extended from 1992 to 2020. The study methodology involved processing and analyzing a time series of classified digital satellite images, calculating the areas of the classes and plotting the time series curves of 13 LULC classes within the study area, based on data prepared by ESRI. The data were processed using ArcGIS Pro. V.3.3, represented by spatiotemporal distribution maps of LULC, and time series curves to understand the driving forces behind these changes. The results identify the changing trend of each class in the area, in an increasing or decreasing manner. The results also, show significant changes in the study area, including a substantial rise and expansion of the urban regions, and fluctuations in vegetation cover and barren lands. A noticeable decrease in the areas of rainfed croplands is recorded. This is due to the rainfall decreasing during the study period, as the region is located in soils characterized by chemical degradation, i.e. increased soil salinity. The information derived from this study can help develop sustainable land management strategies, support urban and regional planning efforts, and contribute to understanding the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment.