Analysis of LULC Changes in Hongze Lake Catchment from 2013 to 2023 Based on Remote Sensing

Abstract

As the fourth largest freshwater lake in China, the study of land use and land coverage (LULC) changes in Hongze Lake Catchment is useful for monitoring the impact of urbanization on the local ecological environment. In this paper, Landsat 8 satellite remote sensing images from 2013 and 2023 were used to analyze its LULC. Key findings indicate: (1) The land cover type of Hongze Lake Catchment changed significantly from 2013 to 2023, with an increase in the area of built-up land, grassland and permanent water bodies, and a decrease in the area of bare/sparse vegetation, cropland, herbaceous wetland and tree cover. The area of wetlands changed the most, decreasing by 438.4 square kilometers. (2) Accuracy assessment showed an overall accuracy of 0.7553 and a Kappa coefficient of 0.6324. (3) Urbanization development, population growth, and the expansion of local aquaculture were the main reasons for LULC changes. This study can provide a scientific basis for environmental monitoring, land management, and ecological conservation strategies in the Hongze Lake Catchment.