Application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System in Monitoring the Dynamics of Landuse in Minna, Nigeria

Urban expansion and increasing land use changes in Minna is a function of increase in population. There is increasing pressure on land, water and environment, particularly in the core area of Minna, therefore, this study set to monitor the Dynamics of Landuse in Minna using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System application. The Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper) satellite images for year 1986, 1996, 2006, Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) images for years 2011 were used. The results were subjected to various statistical analyses and it shows that Agric Land increased from 54.75% in 1986 to 58.15% in 1996 and rose to 89.11% in 2011, natural vegetated area coverage decreased from 43.79% in 1986 to 0.20% in 1996 and extended to 24.32% in 2006, and later decreased to 5.77% in 2011.The rate of growth of Built-up area between 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2011 are 0.81%, 2.93% and 4.06% respectively. Loss of naturally vegetated area in Minna is mainly as a result of urban growth and expansion, farming and gully erosion. The study recommended that City wide infrastructure such as water supply, road and drainage should be provided and should be commensurate to the rate of the sprawl and population.