ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGE DETECTION BY USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES IN 20 YEARS (1997_2000) IN MAZANDARAN, IRAN

Abstract

Satellite imageries provide a low-cost and up-to-date spatial database that can be used to derive useful information for landscape ecologists, policymakers, and scientists. A similar attempt has been made in this study, using open-source data and tools to define some of the environmental impacts due to LULC in Northern Iran. This study aims at measuring and assessing the hot spot areas, which are in direct as well as indirect consequences due to LULC change, therefore, providing a quantitative impact assessment approach. Two methodologies were adopted for this study. Supervised classification technique and Index integrated method. Both classification techniques are based on the spectral reflectance of the land cover, however, the former is composite classification and it is highly dependent on the number of sampling or pixel training involved. Despite many factors controlling the selection of suitable change detection approach from wide-ranging methods, the used approach in the present study proved very effective in fulfilling the objectives with successful implementation. To sum up, the present study shows great potential for decision makers to generate accurate LULC change detection by exploiting various sources of RS and techniques towards successful implementation of sustainable development, natural resource management, and safe land use planning.