A GEOSPATIAL STUDY OF THE CHANGES IN LAND USE AND FORECASTING IN COIMBATORE CITY USING QGIS

Abstract

The most talked-about topic in the world has always been urbanization because of its complexity and the fact that it is a continuously changing global phenomena. Understanding the LU/LC change in the urban landscape is essential to comprehending the current state of the city and the dynamics of the earth's surface change. This study's objectives are to show and explain how LULC trends varied between 2011 and 2021and to forecast future LULC mapfor 2030.The open-source plugin MOLUSCE (Modules for Land Use Change Simulations) version 3.0.13 was utilized to forecast the future plight of urbanisation of Coimbatore city. According to the predicted model by using, the geospatial tools, the land under urban area will substantially rise from 128.29 sq kms in 2021 to 151.47 sq kms in 2030. In contrast, the area under water bodies, vegetation, and agriculture is showing a decline trend. Urban growth dynamics and spatial patterns of urban expansion is a very relevant study to equip, both the policy makers and stake holders.To carve out a sustainable city by all means, with all the necessities, this article can be considered by urban planners and developers, local governments, and non-governmental organizations, public and private enterprises, and certain social well-wishers, in their attempts to create more sustainable urban environments in the city.