The Satellite-Based Assessment of Urbanization's Impact on Wetland Ecosystems: A Case Study of Pakistan

Mutiullah Jamil; Mehwish Bari; Leezna Saleem; Shahzad Hussain

doi:10.33317/ssurj.723

Authors

Mutiullah Jamil KFUEIT
Mehwish Bari Riphah International College, Bahawalpur Campus
Leezna Saleem College Education Department Karachi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9787-4745
Shahzad Hussain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33317/ssurj.723

Keywords:

Artificial Neural Network, Ecosystem, Satellite-Based, Urbanization, Wetland

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Pakistan has intensified pressure on natural ecosystems, particularly wetlands. This study assesses historical (2010–2025) and projected (2030–2040) Land-Use/Land-Cover (LULC) dynamics in Punjab using satellite remote sensing and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling. Landsat imagery was classified, and transition potential maps were developed using the Google Earth Engine. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and Index-based Built-up Index (IBI) indices are utilized to calculate wetland and urbanization change incorporated into the ANN model. Validation of the 2020 simulated map achieved 78.50% accuracy and a Kappa coefficient of 0.70. Results show that urban expansion is increasing at a dynamic rate of 0.86% annually, contributing to severe wetland degradation.

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