Application of GIS and Google Earth Engine to Assess Built-up Area Changes during Urbanization in Hai Duong City, Hai Duong Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Monitoring changes in built-up areas is essential for understanding urban growth, reducing environmental impacts, and guiding sustainable land-use planning. This study investigates the changes in built-up areas in Hai Duong City from 2000 to 2020. Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 imagery were utilized on the Google Earth Engine platform, integrated with GIS analysis to assess these changes. The study employed several indices, including the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), to calculate the Built-up Index (IBI), which serves as an efficient tool for classifying built-up areas. The results indicated that the built-up areas in 2000, 2010, and 2020 were 474.04 ha, 1,497.32 ha, and 4,432.83 ha, respectively, with overall accuracy ranging from 89% to 92% and Kappa coefficients between 0.76 and 0.80. Ngoc Chau, Thanh Binh, and Tan Binh Wards recorded built-up land expansion between 2000 and 2020 exceeding 70% of their total natural area, with respective increases of 143.15 ha, 192.43 ha, and 199.47 ha. The findings of this study provide a robust scientific foundation for urban planning in Hai Duong City, Hai Duong Province, and support policymakers in formulating sustainable development strategies aimed at improving the quality of urban life.