Land Use and Cover Variations and Problems Associated with Coastal Climate in a Part of Southern Tamil Nadu, India, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Approach

Abstract

Land use is an important factor in planning and managing land resources. Increasing pressure due to population and human resources in the world’s resources to meet growing needs contributes to significant land reform in various land uses. Remote sensing and GIS (geographic information system) techniques have been used to study land use change and land cover on the Tuticorin coast in Tamil Nadu. This study examines land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 2001 to 2017 for the coast of Tuticorin. The main objective of this study was to assess changes under the NRSC (National Remote Sensing Center) classification using Landsat ETM + and OLI images using visual interpretation with the help of image interpretation keys. The digitized land use and land cover features are categorized as aquaculture, built-up land, water bodies, cropland, fallow land, forest, a forest plantation, industrial area/mining, mangrove/swamp area, plantation, salt-affected land, saltpan, sandy areas, land with scrub, land without scrub, and waterlogged area. Apparently the whole study from 2001 to 2017 found that built-up land (+20.44 sq. km) and industrial/mining activities (+5.78 sq. km) were increased and cropland (−8.04 sq. km) and plantation (−7.62 sq. km) were decreased. The ground truth verification of the LULC features performed is made with an effective assessment of the changes. This study shows a significant environmental impact in the study area. In addition, it is crucial to strongly monitor the land use/land cover changes to maintain sustainable growth and in-depth coastal management requirements that can be taken to protect human health and property.