ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE VEGETATION COVER IN THE CLIMATE CHANGE ERA USING GEOSPATIAL DATA AND REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES: A CASE STUDY OF KHINIS, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ

Abstract

The spatiotemporal changes of vegetation in the Khinis area, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, were investigated using satellite images (Landsat and Sentinel) between 1977 and 2021. Based on its historical and ecological significance, this study investigates land cover and natural resources condition changes. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated using remote sensing and GIS, and the statistics were evaluated in the Statgraphics Centurion. The result showed a decrease in vegetation cover. Increased vegetation was seen during wet years, while decreased vegetation was observed for sparse vegetation (desert) during dry years. Moreover, seasonally, spring had a moderate vegetation increase while winter and summer exhibited minimum and lower values respectively based on Sentinel data. The analysis of vegetation indices suggests that the vegetation in the study area is declining as a result of climate and anthropogenic factors, which implies that effective conservation and sustainable development management are needed to prevent and reduce land degradation of the Khinis area, which is part of its rich natural and cultural heritage.