Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Land Use Land Cover Change in Port Harcourt Areas of River State

Abstract

It is estimated that by the year 2050, half of the world will be urbanized and developing countries will be leading the crusade. This rapid urbanization will put more pressure on environmental system. The traditional in-situ assessment of land change will no longer be feasible because of increased urbanization. This study assessed the land use/ land cover dynamics in Port Harcourt city of River State. Land-use classification and change detection was conducted using multiple satellite data sources (Landsat TM, ETM) of Port Harcourt city for 1986, 2003 and 2018. Kappa statistical too and ArcGIS Software were also employed for further analysis. The key findings showed that urbanization was rapid and exponential. These observed urbanization occurred due to conversion of forest reserves, agricultural lands and water bodies to urban land.

Keywords: Land use, Land cover, Satellite, Imagery, Urbanization, Port Harcourt

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-6-05

Publication date:June 30^th 2020