An analysis of urban sprawl trend using remote sensing data and GIS techniques in Damaturu town, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the trend of urban sprawl and land use land cover change in Damaturu city between 1986 and 2017 using the tools and techniques of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems with the view to examining the direction of the continuous expansion of the city. Landsat imageries of the area were obtained, processed and classified and later overlaid to determine the pattern of changes in land use, direction and extent of expansion during the study period. Findings revealed that the city grows radially which had unprecedented effects on the agricultural lands close to the city. In view of this, the study suggested effective zoning strategy to check the indiscriminate nature of urban expansion whose effects on land use are prominent in the study area. Adequate monitoring by the Development Control Department and other stakeholders in urban planning is equally suggested to mitigate the incompatible land use change in the area.