Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Land Cover Dynamics and Urban Expansion in Calabar Municipal, Nigeria (2000–2020)

This study investigates the spatiotemporal patterns of land cover and land use change in Calabar Municipal, Nigeria, from 2000 to 2020. Using remote sensing-based classification techniques, six major land cover types were analyzed: forest, built-up area, low vegetation, cropland, open space, and waterbody. Results reveal a progressive increase in built-up area from 66.93 km² in 2000 to 79.71 km² in 2020, representing a cumulative growth of 12.78 km², while forest cover remained relatively stable, peaking at 180.92 km² in 2010 and slightly declining to 179.41 km² in 2020. Conversely, low vegetation and cropland significantly declined, with low vegetation decreasing by over 15.89 km². The land use intensity index (LUII) was highest between 2000 and 2010 (0.00987) and decreased to 0.00421 between 2010 and 2020, suggesting a deceleration in land transformation. The annual rate of change for built-up areas indicates rapid urbanization in the first decade, transitioning to slower growth in the second. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable land use policies that preserve ecological stability while accommodating urban development.