Novel approach for the LULC change detection using GIS & Google Earth Engine through spatiotemporal analysis to evaluate the urbanization growth of Ahmedabad city

Abstract

Changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) have a significant impact on both urban and environmental planning, especially in the context of rapidly urbanising areas. The largest city in the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, has experienced substantial growth. Utilising the powerful tools of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Google Earth Engine (GEE), this study uses a thorough methodology to track and examine changes in LULC over the last ten years. Modifications in LULC have a significant impact on both urban and environmental planning, especially in light of the fast urbanisation cycle. This study uses a comprehensive approach to monitor and analyze Landsat imagery changes in LULC over the past ten years, leveraging the powerful capabilities of Google Earth Engine and GIS. Important insights into LULC patterns are revealed by analysing Landsat imagery from Ahmedabad from 2013 to 2023. Pre-processing with GIS and GEE, accuracy evaluation, and classification of satellite images are all included in the methodology. With a notable 0.85 Kappa and 89 % accuracy in LULC classification, the resulting LULC classifications cover settlements, vegetation, water bodies, arid land, and other relevant features. Results show that over the previous ten years, Ahmedabad has seen a noteworthy decrease in agricultural lands of 13.74 % and a reduction in barren areas of 4.78 %. Meanwhile, the total LULC patterns have shown a significant expansion of 23.56 %. This study is significant because it highlights how urbanisation reduces vegetation cover. The results will helpful for urban planning strategies that take changing environmental dynamics into account.

Keywords

• GIS
• Ahmedabad
• LULC classification
• LULC change detection
• Urbanization
• GGE