Land Use Land Cover Changes in Abeokuta Using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

Land use-land cover (LULC) changes are important factors that affect urban conditions and functions. Land and buildings will therefore continue to witness conversion of use as a result of several human activities competing for scarce land. The study investigates LULC in Abeokuta between 1996 and 2016. The specific objectives are to (1) categorize and measure the area extent (2) examine the trend (3) determine the contributing factors and predict future changes in Abeokuta. Multispectral images (1996 – 2016) at interval of ten years were obtained from USGS Land Change Modeler of Idrisi selva and used for the landuse change analysis and predictions. ArcGIS Software was used to enhance the Transitional Map productions. There was a progressive increase in built up area extent throughout the study period. Between the years 1996 and 2006 urban area grew by 12sqkm while the period between 2006 and 2016 witnessed an increase of 8kmsq. Vegetation experienced the highest decrease in land cover extent for the years between 1996 and 2006, decreasing at a rate of 2.4sqkm per year. However, the rate of loss in vegetative land cover reduced significantly over the next 10 years by 4kmsq increase between 2006 to 2016.