LAND USE AND LAND COVER VARIATIONS USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS DATA

ABSTRACT

Changes in land use and land cover, particularly those caused by human activities, are one of the most significant components of global environmental change (Jessen, 2005). This study seeks to determine the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Variations within the University of Benin, using two images sixteen years apart to draw conclusions and determine the effectiveness to which the land mass in the University of Benin is being utilized and to show the state of being, for the remaining parts and areas unused. According to this study, Remote Sensing and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) are necessary tools that, when used correctly, can provide accurate information about land use and land cover changes in any given area. The data obtained from the dynamics of these studies are significant and can be a useful information source for planners, as they play a critical role in developing strategies and policies for effective planning and sustainable development of the rapidly growing population within the school environment. The Land Cover of an area affects the Land Use, and vice versa, hence this project is to gather as much information from the data collected in order to draw conclusions on the subject at hand and make well informed decisions, moving forward. Understanding natural resources, their utilization, conservation, and management necessitates an understanding of land use and land cover changes, just as man's ability to change himself and his surroundings grows with each technological advance, and the significance of these changes grows with the world's population. The available land base is shrinking, and the resilience of our environment is becoming increasingly stressed.