Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Analyzing Agricultural Land Dynamics of Munshiganj Sadar, Bangladesh

Abstract

Agricultural land in Munshiganj Sadar has faced continuous pressure from urbanization,  infrastructural  growth,  and  population  increase  over  the  past  two decades,  resulting  in  notable  transformations  of  the  landscape.  This  study  employs GIS  and  Remote  Sensing  technologies  toanalyze  land  use  and  land  cover  (LULC) changes from 2004 to 2024 and predict future dynamics up to 2034. Findings reveal a  substantial  increase  in  cropland,  with  a  37.8%  rise  between  2014  and  2024, alongside  a  severe  decline  in  waterbodies  and  minor  forest  loss.  Probability  matrix analyses  indicate  continued  expansion  of  agriculture  and  urban  areas,  while  river courses  and  aquatic  zones  show  signs  of  environmental  stress.  Despite  projected stability in  agricultural  land through  2034,  the  results  highlight the  urgent  need  for sustainable  land  management  strategies.  The  integration  of  GIS  and  RS  proves critical for monitoring spatial patterns and supporting informed decision-making for agricultural planning and ecological preservation in the region.