Abstract:

Based on Remote Sensing image processing and Geographic Information Systems analysis, population-dependent urban structures can be accurately monitored, analysed, and potential spatial or environmental problems restrained by professional land use management. In this study, the city of Nizip, located within the province of Gaziantep, was evaluated in this perspective and its development in the last thirty years was determined. The satellite images of 1990 and 2019 were evaluated within the framework of CORINE land classification system. The controlled classification method was implemented in the analysis and the city's growth rate and direction were determined while land cover changes were investigated both statistically and spatially. According to the analysis, residential areas in the study area, which were 555 ha in 1990, exceeded 1000 ha in 2019, due to industrialization and population growth. Urban sprawl was observed in NE and E directions. In addition, the bare lands of the city have been converted to dry agricultural lands in the last three decades which is supposedly due to long term climate effects. Along with the increasing industrialization movement in this period, the population increased by 30% on average in the central neighbourhoods. Migration from evacuated villages to the city centre following dam construction and water impoundment phases has increased the population. Rapid urbanization is also observed alongside newly built highways and motorways. Regarding increasing population movements in recent years, it is predicted that there could be spatial and environmental problems due to rapid and unplanned urbanization in Nizip city. It is stated that the elimination of these problems can be carried out through accurate and planned land use decision support systems.

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