A master's thesis at the University of Basra, College of Education for Human Sciences, Department of Geography, examines "Analysis of Land Cover Changes in Al-Zubair District Using Modern Technologies for the Period (1990-2024)." The thesis, presented by student Hamoud Majeed Maye, aims to detect changes and analyze land cover and land use in Al-Zubair District, Basra Governorate, through the integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies, which provide data via the Landsat 4, 7, 8, and 9 satellites. Data from sensors (TM and ETM+) were used, along with four satellite images for the years (1990, 2001, 2013, and 2024), and processed using ERDAS 2015 and Arc Map 10.8. The study aimed to reveal changes in land cover and land use in Al-Zubair District during the period between 1990 and 2024. The study included four chapters. The first chapter dealt with the theoretical framework, addressing the logical aspects of the thesis and its methodology. The second chapter addressed the digital processing methods of satellite images used in the study, in terms of evaluating, restoring, and improving these images to increase visual interpretability, in addition to implementing classification methods of both automated (digital) and visual (traditional). The third chapter dealt with the classification of land cover in Al-Zubair District, preparing thematic maps according to the USGS system, and calculating the area of each type of land cover and land use and its contribution to the total study area. The fourth chapter included monitoring the changes in land cover and land use for the period 1990 and 2024. The study reached a number of conclusions and recommendations, the most prominent of which are:
It became clear that the study area had witnessed changes in land cover revealed by the interpretation of the images, and Five first-level classifications were developed, based on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) system. The total change rate for the study area was 23.78% during this period (1990-2024). The barren land category occupies the largest area of the study area (63.8%), while the water category accounted for the smallest area (0.2%).
The most important findings of the study are:
1. The study demonstrated the importance of integrating remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques in monitoring land cover and land use changes in the study area during the period (1990-2024).
2. The study demonstrated the importance of using various digital processing methods for satellite images as an important basis for facilitating the visual interpretation of land cover and land use components in the study area.
3. The study demonstrated the efficiency of the USGS system in classifying land cover and land use in the study area.
At the conclusion of the study, I offer several suggestions, the most important of which are: enhancing the use of remote sensing technologies and geographic information systems in monitoring land cover and land use, and establishing specialized scientific centers for these technologies in all Iraqi governorates. This will provide data and periodic reports that contribute to formulating effective development policies and making scientifically based decisions, ensuring optimal investment of natural resources and achieving a comprehensive national vision for the future.
