Kentucky GIS Conference 2024

This study examines urban expansion and vegetation loss in Enugu State, driven by intense surface mining activities. Significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes have occurred over recent decades due to human activities and natural factors. Using Remote Sensing and GIS, the research analyzes Landsat imagery from 2018 to 2022 to quantify urban growth and vegetation loss. The study employs the maximum likelihood classification algorithm to categorize data into five land cover classes: Water, Forest, Pasture/Grass, Barren, and Urban. This classification calculates average rates of change for each land cover type, revealing urbanization and vegetation reduction patterns. Findings show a significant land use shift, with increased urban areas and reduced agricultural and forested lands, indicating deforestation and land degradation. The study underscores the need for improved environmental monitoring and sustainable practices, providing resources for stakeholders in Enugu State.