Land Cover Classification in Al-Ishaqi Subdistrict Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques (2005–2025)
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Abstract
The study of land cover, which represents the Earth's outer surface, is a fundamental area of research in scientific fields. This study addresses the analysis of land cover in Al-Ishaqi subdistrict and its impacts on the landscape. It serves as a complementary research contribution to geographical studies concerning land cover dynamics in specific locations, alongside detailing the spatial findings of the study area. Al-Ishaqi subdistrict is one of the administrative subdistricts in Saladin Governorate, located in its southern part, and comprises seven sectors of varying areas. Regarding agriculture, an expansion in agricultural areas is observed with variations across the study area's sectors over multiple years and time periods. To provide a clear image of the extent of variation in land cover across the sectors of Al-Ishaqi subdistrict, satellite imagery was utilized to determine the magnitude and rate of land cover change through ground-truth analysis. Additionally, the methodology relied on field studies to observe and record recent changes, alongside conducting interviews with researchers, local farmers, and directors of official departments within the study area. These efforts aim to examine the impacts of the phenomenon, identify its underlying causes and consequences, and ultimately formulate solutions, conclusions, and recommendations to mitigate the exacerbation of this phenomenon in Al-Ishaqi subdistrict
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