Object-based land use/land cover change detection of a coastal city using Multi-Source Imagery: a case study of Lagos, Nigeria

In the wake of the burgeoning population, socio-economic and environmental issues facing coastal areas, LULC change detection has become an essential tool for environmental monitoring towards achieving sustainable development. In this study, an object-based image analysis approach using post-classification comparison technique was applied for assessing the LULC of the coastal city of Lagos from 1986 to 2016. The study describes how satellite imagery from different sources (Landsat and SENTINEL 2A) can be successfully integrated for Land use Land cover change detection. The results show that between 1986 and 2016, there were net increases in bare areas, built-up areas, and shrublands and a general decline in forestlands, waterbodies and wetlands. Over 60,000ha cover (approx. 190% increase) was converted into built-up areas while 83,541ha (835.4km2) of forestland were lost, suggesting high rates of urbanization and corresponding deforestation. About 60% loss of wetlands was also observed in the same time period. The decrease in water bodies and a steady increase in bare and built-up areas are possibly due to the prevalent land reclamation activities in the study area. Higher rates of deforestation and increase in bare areas were observed from 2001 to 2016 in comparison to 1986 to 2001. The observed trends are likely to continue, and for future management actions, predictive studies are suggested to provide more empirical evidence.