SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL MODELING OF THE URBAN GROWTH AND LAND COVER CHANGES USING REMOTE SENSING, SPATIAL INDEXES AND GIS TECHNIQUES IN IRBID CITY, JORDAN

This study examined the temporal and spatial changes in the urban land cover of the northern region of Jordan from 2000 to 2020. Automated processing of satellite images was carried out and different statistical indicators were applied to analyze the data. The data facilitated the monitoring of urban sprawl and determination of trends based on the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing analysis of Landsat satellite images. The results revealed an increase in urban segments, population, and reverse migration compared to neighboring areas. The classified land use and land cover maps depicted an expansion of 19.22% from 2000 to 2010 and 8.04% from 2010 to 2020. In comparison to the areas at the urban saturation stage, more rapid urban growth was observed in the seven southwest and northwest districts. Thus, the study presents reliable information and a cartographic database to demonstrate the changes in urban cover of Irbid city, over the past 20 years.