Detection of land use / cover changes of the KOSH region over a period of 14 years using the South African National Land Cover datasets for 2000 and 2014

Simple algebraic change detection techniques viz. image difference and ratio were applied to the South African national land use / cover (NLC) datasets of years 2000 2014, prepared in grid format covering Klerksdorp–Orkney–Stilfontein–Hartebeestfontein (KOSH) region order assess use/land changes. Both 2014 NLC generated from Landsat images using different classification schemes code values & attributes classes two different/not comparable. In make these comparable for detection, NLC2000 dataset was examined ArcView GIS by superimposing it onto NLC2014 similarities differences identified. For each type dataset, identified making a query after viewing spatial distributions selected units respect dataset. Suitable later reclassified. The study reveals that increase areas observed types: Cultivated common fields (low), (med), Mines 2 semi-bare, Wetlands, Urban commercial Plantations/woodlots mature. Grassland, Thicket/dense bush, residential (dense trees/bush), 1 bare, pivots (high) showed decrease places. During 14 years, Grassland had decreased 2,132.47 km2 (77.35% total area) 1,629.78 (59.11% owing landscape transformation other covers (e.g. residential) due human activities. percentage (low medium) 8.21% 2.96% while commercial, mature increases 0.67%, 0.32%, 0.28% 0.23% respectively. area bush 108.15 56.71 (change 1.87%). Maps changes statistics obtained changed are very useful identifying various occurring monitoring dynamics.