Characterising landcover changes and urban sprawl using geospatial techniques and landscape metrics in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (1984–2022)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27275
• Publication Date: 2024-03-11T01:26:46Z
• Authors: Shelton Mthunzi S...; Walter Musakwa; James Magidi; Alain Y. Kibangou
• Keywords: Urban sprawl; Infill; Land Cover; Deforestation

<h2>Abstract</h2> Urbanisation is a global trend that significantly impacts sustainable urban development and the quality of life. Assessing sprawl critical for planning aligns with key objectives United Nations goals. This study employed geospatial technology landscape metrics to comprehensively assess, map, quantify extent in Bulawayo from 1984 2022. The leveraged Support Vector Machine (SVM) supervised machine learning algorithm coupled achieve this objective. combined approach allowed classification, detection land cover changes, analysis dynamics, quantification degree sprawl. results revealed 228% increase built-up areas between 2022, while non-built-up (agricultural land, vegetation, bare land) decreased by 29.28%. change indicated an encroachment urban-like conditions into areas. Land use assessment exhibits four district types sprawl: leapfrog, strip/ribbon, low density, infill. Urban expansion attributed urbanisation evolving policy. has numerous implications on transport management, habitat loss deforestation, reduction contamination freshwater sources, many others. strategic planners, researchers, decision-makers/policy makers as it provides relevant, up-to-date, accurate information planning.