تقييم استعمالات الأراضي في منطقة ملكا شمال غرب الأردن باستخدام تقنية الاستشعار عن بعد و نظام المعلومات الجغرافي

Abstract EN

This paper evaluates land use pattern in Malka northwest Jordan by analyzing the satellite images for the years 1978, 2000, 2005, and the topographic maps.

The study showed that land use planning for the region is absent with no database available for regulating land use practices which is critically important for facilitating the decision-making process.

It also appeared that land use is not well-organized and practices are irregularly overlapped.

For example, in 1978, forests covered an area of about 10.4 km2 which increased to 14.1 km2 in 2000, and degraded back to about 13.3 km2 in 2005.

This decrease in forest area is largely attributed to fruit trees planting, woodcutting and overgrazing.

The study recommended establishing a database, periodically renewed, to facilitate effective decision-making and proper planning processes.

It also suggested the construction of retaining walls and terraces in steep areas to reduce erosion which negatively increases the space area (bare ground) in the study area.

In addition, the paper recommended the enforcement and implementation of laws to control land use practices and increases the public awareness of the importance of planning and optimal use of land