Spatial Assessment of Urbanization Using GIS in Selected Neighbourhoods of Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

This study analyzed the spatial assessment of urbanization in Mgbougba, PH Township, Orazi Rumueme, and Eligbam Rumueme using GIS to determine the spatial and temporal changes. This study adopted data from a secondary source, which includes Landsat (7) TM Thematic Mapper of 1999, 2009 and 2019 of the study areas which were further analyzed to determine spatial and temporal changes that have occurred in the study areas. Findings from this study based on the classified Landsat imageries revealed that in Mgbougba, spatial changes were observed as a result of an increase in built area value of 591 in 1999 to 4066 in 2009 and to 6661 in 2019, hence, caused a reduction in vegetation cover with the value of 5038 in 1999 to 3733 in 2009 and to 1515 in 2019 and also a reduction of water body with a value of 363 in 1999 to 276 in 2009, with the absence of water body in 2019. Spatial changes also occurred in PH Township built-up areas indicating an increase in signature values from 3329 in 1999 to 4646 in 2009 and to 6276 in 2019. There was a decrease in vegetation cover of 2044 in 1999 to 1325 in 2009 and 1258 in 2019, bare land also showed a reduction in signature values of 1239 in 1999 to 1142 in 2009 and 791 in 2019 and finally a reduction of water body from 700 in 1999 to 658 in 2009 and 600 in 2019. In Orazi Rumueme, it revealed there was a significant expansion of built-up area value from 2514 in 1999 to 2978 in 2009 and 3936 in 2019. There was a decline in vegetation cover with a value of 678 in 1999 to 517 in 2009 and 426 in 2019. Spatial changes in Eligbam Rumueme, showed that built-up area value increased from 780 in 1999 to 878 in 2009 and 1164 in 2019, thus, resulting to a reduction in the vegetation cover with a value from 625 in 1999 to 537 in 2009 and 251 in 2019 which indicated that urbanization led to significant spatial changes in built-up areas, vegetation cover, bare land and water body in the selected neighborhoods. However, the identified pattern of urbanization in the study areas showed that the selected neighborhoods possessed more built-up areas as of 2019 when compared to 1999 and 2009. The spatial analysis of urbanization using GIS aided in understanding the spatial changes that have occurred in the selected neighborhoods and provided plans for sustainable development.