Change Detection of Land Cover Using Geo-Spatial Techniques in District Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Urban expansion worldwide is leading to significant changes in land cover, with built-up areas increasingly encroaching on agricultural and barren lands. This study utilizes geospatial techniques to analyze land cover changes in District Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, from 2013 to 2023, marking a pioneering effort in this region. Landsat images from 2013, 2018, and 2023, sourced from the US Geological Survey database, were analyzed using the maximum likelihood technique of supervised image classification. Four major land cover classes—vegetation cover, built-up land, water bodies, and barren land—were identified. The analysis reveals a notable increase in built-up areas, rising from 41% in 2013 to 68% in 2023. In contrast, vegetation cover has decreased by 14%, water bodies by 6%, and barren land by 7% over the past decade. These changes indicate Hyderabad's shift from a rural to an urban landscape, driven by socioeconomic development. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable development practices that reconcile urban growth with environmental preservation. This study provides essential data for urban planning, conservation efforts, and further research on land cover dynamics.