Mapping the spatial distribution and potential expansion of agricultural plastic greenhouses in Tartus, Syria using GIS and remote sensing techniques

Abstract

In this research, the spatial distribution map of agricultural greenhouses in Tartus (Syria) was created using Sentinel-2 and high-resolution Google Earth Pro images in 2020. The potential expansion map of agricultural greenhouses was created by a set of topographic, climatic, ecological, infrastructure and land use-land cover criteria using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Our results show that the area covered by protected agriculture was about 5% of the total study area. Slightly more than half of the study area has constraints on the potential expansion of greenhouses, and two-third of the remaining area has high potential. Assessment of the methodology used in this research indicates high effectiveness with an overall accuracy of 96.6%. The obtained maps can provide vital information for land-use planning and management in Syria. The methodology proposed in this research could be used to map and assess the potential expansion of different cultivations.