Monitoring and Assessing the Patterns of Urban Growth on Forest Landscapes of Vientiane through Geospatial Approach

Urban Growth on Forest Landscapes of Vientiane

Abstract

Rapid urbanization poses a significant threat to forest landscapes, altering ecosystems and biodiversity. This study investigates the impact of urban growth on forest areas in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), from 1990 to 2023. Using Landsat imagery analysis and GIS modeling, we examined land use changes, urban expansion patterns, and forest cover dynamics. Our analysis revealed significant trends in spatial connections between urban development and deforestation. Key findings show a substantial transformation of the landscape: forest areas decreased by 20.62%, while urban areas expanded by 18.25% over the 33-year period. We observed that urban growth primarily occurred along major transportation corridors and in previously undeveloped areas, leading to forest fragmentation and loss. The study employed visual and spatial analysis methods, including random forest modeling and deep learning techniques, to assess the relationship between urban expansion and forest change. Our results indicate that human activities, economic growth, and population migration are primary drivers of these land use changes. This research has important implications for urban planning and forest conservation. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban development strategies that balance growth with environmental preservation. Our findings can inform policymakers and urban planners in developing targeted interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on forest ecosystems, promoting more sustainable and resilient urban landscapes