Change Detection of Vegetation Cover in the Western Parts of Taif District Using Remote Sensing Data During the Period (1984-2010)

Abstract

This study focused on change detection of vegetation cover in the western parts of the Taif District, and it determined the type and the magnitude of vegetal cover changes, in addition to that it also defined the spatial patterns of vegetation change for a period of twenty-six years, through image processing of digital satellite data utilizing OSAVI index. The results of the study show the occurrence of a continuous deteriorations of vegetation and a decrease in the cover condition and extent between the years 1984 -2010 AD. The study also  shows that the changes of the vegetation cover in the study area is centered around two places: the first is the mountain slopes, and the second is the riparian along the courses of valleys. On the other hand,  the vegetation cover of the highland summits remains unchanged in the  Bani Saad, Al-Hada sectors, the heart of the city of Taif which is represented by parks and islands Plant on the road sides, and in some agricultural fields on the side of Wejj and Shirb valleys. This study contributes in generating a data base and maps about condition and extent of vegetation cover in the study area in the level of pixel size, sectors and the province as a whole through the period of 1984-2011.