Detection and Analysis the Change in LULC in Some Riparian Area of Euphrates River through Using Land Sat Data and GIS Technique

Abstract

Since the last century, Iraq has suffered from a shortage of water needed for irrigation and other essential uses for human existence. This water scarcity has affected the Tigris-Euphrates River basin, resulting in unusual variations in public activities in watershed areas due to rapid population growth and urban expansion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate and detect changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) in the main regions of the Euphrates basin in central Iraq over a time scale from 1985 to 2022, focusing on the availability of built-up lands, vegetation, barren areas, and their relationship with water bodies. The changes in LULC have been studied based on a database and satellite data, indicating high-resolution geo-registered images supported by interpretation keys to detect the changes that have occurred over time. The detection process has been accomplished using Remote Sensing and ArcGIS V.9.3 software. Landsat TM and ETM+ satellite images from 1985, 1999, and 2022 were used to monitor Land Use classes to identify the drivers of this change. The results have shown that high-resolution satellite images, Remote Sensing, and GIS techniques are powerful analytical tools for conducting LULC change detection analysis. They classify the geographical location and type of changes, quantify the changes, and evaluate the accuracy of change detection. The information on LULC change detection will be helpful to experts and urban planners for improving future plans for the sustainable development of regional lands and cities, as it is one of the main forces driving global environmental change and sustainable improvement.