UTILIZING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING FOR EFFICIENT URBAN PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and population growth are increasingly pressing urban ecosystems, posing significant challenges to their sustainability and the well-being of urban residents. Effective management of these ecosystems is essential. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable tools for analyzing and managing urban environments. This study explores integrating RS and GIS technologies for real-time monitoring and assessment of environmental parameters within urban ecosystems, aiming to support sustainable conservation efforts. The present study employed Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data to evaluate urban ecosystem dynamics in Cross River State, Nigeria. The Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) was utilized to identify concrete structures and impervious surfaces. In contrast, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) were employed to detect vegetation and water bodies. Findings revealed a significant increase in built-up areas at the expense of forests and other land uses. The integration of RS and GIS technologies provides valuable insights into urban environments' spatial and temporal dynamics, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and promoting sustainable urban planning and development