Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Mapping and Monitoring Land Use Changes

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and monitoring land use changes. The combination of UAVs and GIS technologies offers a powerful tool for collecting high-resolution spatial data and analyzing land cover dynamics efficiently. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of this integrated approach in mapping and monitoring land use changes, providing valuable insights for urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response. The introduction provides a background of the study, highlighting the importance of accurate and up-to-date spatial information for sustainable development and resource management. The problem statement identifies the limitations of traditional mapping techniques and the need for innovative methods to address the challenges of monitoring land use changes effectively. The objectives of the study include assessing the capabilities of UAVs and GIS for mapping land cover, analyzing temporal changes in land use patterns, and evaluating the accuracy of the integrated approach compared to traditional methods. The literature review presents a comprehensive analysis of previous studies related to UAVs, GIS, and land use mapping. It examines the advantages and limitations of UAV technology, the applications of GIS in spatial analysis, and the integration of these tools for monitoring land cover changes. The review also discusses the methodologies used in previous research and identifies gaps in the existing literature that this study seeks to address. The research methodology outlines the approach taken to collect and analyze spatial data using UAVs and GIS. It includes details on the study area selection, UAV flight planning, image acquisition, data processing techniques, and accuracy assessment methods. The methodology section also describes how the collected data will be used to analyze land use changes over time and assess the effectiveness of the integrated approach in capturing spatial dynamics. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the study, including maps depicting land cover classifications, change detection analysis, and accuracy assessments. It highlights the advantages of using UAVs and GIS for mapping land use changes, such as improved spatial resolution, timely data acquisition, and cost-effectiveness. The chapter also discusses the challenges encountered during data processing and analysis, providing insights for future research in this area. In conclusion, this thesis summarizes the key findings of the study and discusses the implications of integrating UAVs and GIS for mapping and monitoring land use changes. It highlights the significance of this approach for enhancing spatial data collection, promoting sustainable land management practices, and supporting decision-making processes in various sectors. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the application of UAVs and GIS technologies in environmental monitoring and spatial analysis, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.