Monitoring LULC Dynamics and Landscape Pattern Analysis Using Landsat at Mongla and Surrounding Cities in Bangladesh

This study presents a thorough analysis of the temporal dynamics in land use and land cover (LULC) within the Mongla Port and its adjacent regions in Bangladesh, spanning from 2018 to 2022 and utilizing Landsat 8 satellite imagery. A seven-category classification system, including water bodies, trees, flooded vegetation, crops, built-up areas, bare ground, and rangeland, facilitated a detailed exploration of changing landscape patterns. Over the study period, a 1.87% reduction in tree cover was observed, contrasting with consistent expansion in built-up areas, which increased by 2.42%. Noteworthy fluctuations in agricultural lands revealed a net decrease of 165.95 km², while water bodies experienced fluctuations, ultimately recording a net increase of 142.29 km². The robust accuracy assessment, with overall accuracy ranging from 86.7% to 88.8%, underscores the reliability of the classification process. This research holds significant implications, offering valuable insights into sustainable development, conservation strategies, and disaster preparedness in a region undergoing transformative changes due to port establishment, especially considering the inclusion of the ecologically critical Sundarbans in the study area.