Change detection for urban expansion in Baghdad City Al-Doura area using geographic information systems

Abstract

The Al-Doura region is undergoing a deterioration in soil quality as a result of the ongoing expansion of residential areas. The expansion  is leading to environmental degradation, affecting native plant life and the overall ecosystem. This study employed remote sensing  techniques to analyze and comprehend land patterns in the Doura region throughout a defined timeframe, with particular emphasis on  the influence of the Doura refinery. The research conducted from 2013 to 2023 was categorized into five distinct areas: urban, water, soil,  streets, and plants. This categorization was achieved by utilizing remote sensing data and the ENVI tool. The classification was executed  via the support vector machine classifier. The results demonstrate notable changes in the Doura, marked by a swift and substantial  growth of the metropolitan region. The expansion has led to a significant reduction in green spaces, with the urban area comprising  21.21% in 2013, rising to 36.71% in 2018, and further increasing to 60.16% in 2023. The categorizations suggest a decrease in the  availability of arable land, indicating the expansion of the residential area of Al-Doura. Urban development intensifies land surface  temperatures and adds to air pollution. A sustainable approach is necessary to address the presence of the Al-Doura refinery, with a  focus on achieving a balance between economic and environmental requirements.