مراقبة التغيرات في استخدامات الأراضي في مدينة الهفوف باستخدام نظام المعلومات الجغرافية (GIS) والنائية تقنيات الاستشعار (RS)
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to study the land use patterns in Al-Hofuf city, Saudi
Arabia. The study analyzed satellite images from 1984, 2007, 2010 by ERDAS and Arc GIS,
where land-use practices of agricultural, residential, roads, space and desert lands have been
mapped. The resulting maps showed that there were improper land-use and mismanagement
practices, especially for agricultural and residential purposes. The study also revealed that the
surface features play an important role in the prevailing land-use patterns of the region. It also
showed an increase in the residential area from 3% in 1984 to about 6% in 2010. The
calculations for the current and expected land uses up to 2030 have found that there is an
increase in the various land uses indicating the need for a comprehensive development
planning in the study area with increases in the agricultural uses of about 14.6%, and the
residential of about 5.7%. It seemed that the topographic factors play a role in the distribution
of land uses, with where the agricultural and residential land use has been commonly
observed in areas with a slope steepness of 0 - 0.5 degree. The study recommended
designated areas for parks and tourist sites in the desert areas to benefit from available areas,
and to control the expansions of urbanization at the expense of agricultural land. It also
suggested involving the private sector in land-use planning, and establishing database
periodically updated to facilitate decision-making and proper planning.