Spatio-temporal dynamics of land use/cover and land surface temperature in Prayagraj city, India

The spatial monitoring of variation in land cover and its mapping support the local authorities and decision-makers in strengthening comprehensive and sustainable plans for future urbanization and sustainability of the city. This research work was carried out to evaluate the change in the land cover pattern and its impact on the land surface temperature of Prayagraj city from 2000 to 2020. This study also examined the correlation between land surface temperature (LST) and other improved urban biophysical indices, such as soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) and enhanced built-up and bareness index (EBBI), to determine the significant factors affecting the LST of the urban area. The result indicates that the built-up area and cropland have been escalated by 10 and 6.5%, whereas tree cover, water bodies and fallow land were reduced by 12, 1.38 and 1.27%, respectively. LST was increased by 1.47 degrees C between 2000 and 2020 due to an increase in the built-up area. LST showed a positive correlation with EBBI but a negative one with vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index and SAVI) and water indices (MNDWI). The results indicate that the land use pattern governs LST and any change in land use will ultimately change the LST.