Evaluation of Land Use Change in Lali City Applying Maximum Likelihood Algorithm

Urban land use maps, in addition to different classes of land use with spatial patterns, specify the type and intensity of land use; therefore, they can be used for current and future planning of urban land. In this study, land use changes in Lali city in 30 years (1987-2017) were investigated. To evaluate the land use changes in this time interval, several spectral images of Landsat satellites 5, 7, and 8 from the years 1987, 2001 and 2017 were utilized. After collecting data and the application of necessary pre-processing on them, also for the preparation of land use maps for the specified time intervals, data analysis was carried out by Maximum Likelihood Classification Algorithm. The findings obtained each year were monitored and controlled through field operations, and land use maps in 7 classes of agriculture, rangeland, forest, mountain, residential, river, and other areas were produced. Then, the changes in each land use were determined in the specified periods during 1987 to 2001, 2001 to 2017, and eventually 1987 to 2017. While the results obtained from the final changes illustrate that the overall level of vegetation compared to the beginning of the period has declined markedly which is an indication of deforestation in the region, urban areas, agriculture, and rangelands have maintained an ascending trend which can be due to increasing urban development and rural expansion, and the growing need of residents for housing, agriculture, and gardens.