Investigating Land Surface Temperature Variation and Land Use Land Cover Changes in Pathumthani, Thailand (1997-2023) using Landsat Satellite Imagery: A Comprehensive Analysis of LST and Urban Hot Spots (UHS)

This study explores the dynamic transformations in land use and land cover (LULC), land surface temperature (LST), and the spatial distribution of Urban Hot Spots (UHSs) in Pathumthani from 1997 to 2023. Landsat satellite imagery was utilized for the analysis, employing the Maximum Likelihood classifier for LULC classification. The research reveals a substantial surge in built-up areas, particularly notable with a twofold increase in 2023 compared to 1997, concentrated along the north-south axis. While vegetation remains the dominant land cover, it experienced an initial increase from 2004 to 2023, followed by a declining trend. Nevertheless, vegetation constitutes over 60% of the total area, concentrated in the eastern and western regions. In summary, the spatial distribution of UHS in 1997 exhibited dispersion across the study area. However, starting from 2004, there was a noticeable concentration of UHSs within built-up areas, particularly in the northern part, coinciding with the presence of the Navanakorn industrial zone. Urban development encroachment into Muang Pathumthani, Thanyaburi, and Lam Luk Ka districts led to the emergence of UHSs in the southern part, mirroring the trajectory of urban sprawl. This southern section, adjacent to Bangkok and in proximity to Don Muang airport, witnessed UHS emergence due to urban expansion, notably influenced by the development of the mass rapid transit (MRT) connecting Pathumtani and Bangkok. The study highlights the importance of studying Land Surface Temperature (LST) to identify areas with higher temperatures, contributing valuable insights for urban planning and strategies to mitigate heat-related challenges in the region.