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A GIS-based methodology to identify priority areas for land use regulations - Case study of Kozhikode

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  • Nazer, Nishan
  • P, Bimal
  • K, Chithra

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Kozhikode district, Kerala, from 2003 to 2023 has significantly altered land use and land cover (LULC), impacting water-related ecosystem services (WES). This study proposed a novel integration of pixel-level coupling coordination degree (CCD) analysis, Random Forest (RF) and geographical detector modeling to examine the complex LULC-WES interactions. The methodology employs high-resolution, multi-source spatial data to identify key LULC conversions driving WES changes and map hotspots (high WES degradation) and coldspots (stable/improved WES) at pixel-level resolution. The results reveal weak to moderate coordination between LULC and WES, with negative impacts concentrated in urbanizing southern coastal areas and Western Ghats foothills, driven by forest-to-agriculture and coconut plantation-to-agriculture conversions. Positive WES contributions stem from retaining coconut plantations and converting to rubber agroforestry systems. This GIS-based decision support system, supported by spatially explicit raster outputs, enables policymakers to design precise land use policies and simulate future scenarios for sustainable urban land management. The approach’s data efficiency and adaptability make it a valuable tool for micro-level land and water management, with potential for future integration of socioeconomic drivers and broader ecosystem services to further optimize urban LULC changes in rapidly developing regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Nazer, Nishan & P, Bimal & K, Chithra, 2026. "A GIS-based methodology to identify priority areas for land use regulations - Case study of Kozhikode," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 512(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:512:y:2026:i:c:s0304380025003886
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2025.111402
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