Monitoring the change in the extent of vegetation cover in the city of Hilla using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the period (1994-2024)

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most important environmental challenges in recent decades, as it directly affects the structure and distribution of vegetation in urban areas. This study investigates the effects of climate change on vegetation cover in Hilla city using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Climate data, especially temperature and precipitation, were collected during a separate time period (2024, 2014, 2004, 1994) and processed with satellite images Landsat 5.7.8 of vegetation cover. Using vegetation indices, such as the National Drought Vegetation Index (NDVI) and GIS spatial analysis techniques, temporal and spatial changes in the vegetation cover of Al Hilla city were identified and maps of the changes were prepared. The results show that increasing air temperature and decreasing precipitation, especially in the periphery of the city, have led to a decrease in vegetation density and a change in the type of dominant species. This study emphasizes the importance of spatial data-driven urban management and prediction of climate impacts on the urban environment, and introduces GIS tools as an effective method for monitoring and decision-making for sustainable urban planning.