Applying Geomatic Analyses Using Landsat Imagery in Occidental Mindoro, the Philippines

Abstract

Abstract Anthropogenic activities over the last decade in Occidental Mindoro have shaped habitat loss and wildlife endangerment. In the 20th century, farming by the local community was perceived to be the leading threat to the decline of native flora and fauna. Hence, this study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic practices in Occidental Mindoro in three time series (2019, 2010, and 2004) using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing Techniques by assessing the following geomatic matrices: (i) the Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC), (ii) Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), (iii) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and (iv) Land Surface Temperature (LST). The results of the study showed the following: (i) An increase in LST and NDBI and a decline in NDVI from 2004 to 2019; (ii) An increase in LST is correlated with an increase in NDBI and a decrease in NDVI values; and the (iii) LULC maps affirmed the decline in forest cover and an increase in cropland, grassland, and barren land. These quantitative measures of landscape heterogeneities may imply that anthropogenic activities over the span of ca. 20 years have already affected the forest cover in Occidental Mindoro. This study recommends implementing more land and conservation management strategies and policies by essential stakeholders such as the Government and Non-government organizations.