Land cover change in the City of Musayyib- Babylon Province using RS data and GIS

Abstract

        This study analyzed and revealed the change of land cover patterns, especially agricultural lands, in the Musayyib region for the period (2000-2020) by applying the analytical approach, and processing four visualizations (Landsat ETM) and (Landsat OLI) with a spatial resolution of (30) meters, and two visualizations per year for the spring and autumn seasons. A numerical classification was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier, Hybrid Classification, and environmental degradation indicators for land cover patterns (NDVI, IPVI, SAVI, BSI, WI, NDBI, TCG, TCW) were extracted.

      The aim is to reveal the role of natural and human factors for the occurrence of changing patterns of land cover and its uses using ERDAS 2014 programs, ARC GIS 10.7).

      The results revealed that the patterns of land cover have changed their uses, as the urban cover and barren lands expanded and increased on agricultural lands. Its area increased (26.53) km2 to 70.72 km2, and water witnessed an increase in the area.