Change detection in LULC using GIS

The objective of this study was to assess the trends, causes, socio-economic implication and conservation mechanisms of LULCC on the livelihoods of the people and to generate a map that show the general LULCC of Mecha district from 1973-2011. To acquire the necessary data, Landsat satellite images for 1973, 1995 and 2011 were used together with several ground truthing points taken from the field using Geographic Positioning System (GPS). Moreover, socio-economic data were collected through household questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. Having analyzed the data using ERDAS Imagine and Arc GIS, the results were presented in the form of maps, figures and frequency tables. The result reveals that both qualitative and quantitative land use/cover changes occurred concomitantly in the study area.