Land Use Land Cover Change Detection of District Lahore Using GIS and Remote Sensing (1993-2023)
Land Use Land Cover Change Detection of District Lahore Using GIS and Remote Sensing (1993-2023)
Mohsin Rafique1*, Muhammad Atif Majeed2, Aamir Shakeel3, Tahir Iqbal4 and Ziad Raza5
ABSTRACT
The urban landscape of Lahore, Pakistan, has undergone profound transformations from 1993 to 2023. This study employs advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to comprehensively analyze the evolving Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns in the Lahore district. The research categorizes LULC into five key groups: Agriculture, Forest, Settlements, Barren Land, and Water Bodies, offering a detailed insight into these dynamic changes. Change detection analysis also underscores the dynamic nature of Lahore’s land use patterns. The findings demonstrate a noteworthy expansion of forested areas in three decades (1993-2023) almost 7 percent, driven by innovative initiatives like the Miyawaki forest method and ambitious afforestation projects. Significant shifts in land use land cover in Lahore includes a reduction of 31 percent in agricultural land, a rapid surge of 28 percent built-up area and urbanization, minor changes in water bodies, substantial forest growth, and slight declines in barren land. These transformations hold profound implications for urban planning, agricultural practices, and environmental conservation. The growth in forest cover has far-reaching ecological benefits, including improved air quality, climate change mitigation, and enhanced urban living quality. This research contributes valuable insights into the evolving urban landscape of Lahore, serving as a foundation for further studies and providing sustainable development strategies not only for the city but also for other rapidly urbanizing areas facing similar challenges.
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