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@article{196525,
        author = {S.santhi and Dr.M.sakthivel and H.krishnamurthy and S.Murugaesan and M.S.M.Vallavwan},
        title = {Land Use and Land Cover Change Detection Using Geospatial Techniques in the Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {6588-6600},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=196525},
        abstract = {Mapping, analysis, and monitoring of land use and land cover (LULC) are essential for sustainable land resource management and regional planning. This study evaluates the spatial and temporal changes in LULC patterns in Theni District over a period of 21 years (1997–2018). Geo-rectified multi-temporal satellite data at a scale of 1:50,000 were utilized, including Landsat 5 imagery for the years 1997 and 2007, and Landsat 8 imagery for 2018, obtained from United States Geological Survey. Eleven LULC classes were identified following the Indian LULC classification scheme, namely Dense Forest with Plantations, Mixed Forest, Plantation, Water Bodies, Rock Outcrop, Barren Land, Built-up Land, Dense Forest, Fallow Land, Scrub Land, and Agricultural Land. Supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) was applied to delineate LULC categories, and accuracy assessment was performed using a stratified random sampling method. The results reveal significant changes in land use patterns during the study period. Built-up land exhibited a substantial increase of 2.19% (62.85 km²), indicating rapid urban expansion. In contrast, Plantation, Water Bodies, Fallow Land, Scrub Land, and Agricultural Land showed declining trends of -0.55% (-15.82 km²), -1.14% (-21.13 km²), -0.37% (-10.64 km²), -0.55% (-15.58 km²), and -0.19% (-5.44 km²), respectively. Forest-related classes such as Dense Forest, Dense Forest with Plantations, and Mixed Forest experienced only marginal variations, reflecting relative stability due to conservation measures. The study indicates that the reduction in water bodies and scrub/fallow lands is largely associated with their conversion into built-up and agricultural lands. Agricultural land and plantation areas show dynamic interchange due to changing cropping patterns and variability in rainfall. Overall, the findings highlight the increasing pressure of urbanization and agricultural transformation on natural land resources. This study emphasizes the need for effective land management strategies and sustainable planning practices to balance developmental activities with environmental conservation in Theni District.},
        keywords = {Theni District; land use/land cover (LULC); change detection; remote sensing; Geographic Information System (GIS); supervised classification; Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC); Landsat imagery; urban expansion; environmental management.},
        month = {April},
        }