Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing Techniques in Studying Land Use in Mahweet City, Yemen

Abstract

Studies focusing on urban growth and land use represent a significant area of ​​application that can benefit from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies.  Over the past three decades, the city of Al-Mahwit has shown rapid population and urban growth as the capital of Al-Mahwit Governorate. Therefore, it was necessary to have the spatial data and information required to build a spatial database for all aspects of land use in the city, especially since the general city plan completed in 2000 does not keep pace with this urban growth, particularly in the city's outskirts, which suffer from unplanned random growth. Hence, it was essential to consider using remote sensing and GIS technologies, utilizing high-resolution Quickbird satellite images (0.60 meters) to obtain spatial data for creating a digital base map of landuse in the city, and to study and analyze the factors and obstacles of urban growth in the city. Accordingly, the results of this study will benefit researchers, decision-makers, and planners in various government bodies and relevant ministries, as well as other researchers.