Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Ain Abid City (Algeria) Using Multi-Index Remote Sensing (2003-2023)

This study investigates the spatio-temporal changes in Ain Abid (Constantine, Algeria) between 2003 and 2023 using multi-index remote sensing analysis. Through Google Earth Engine platform and Landsat imagery (Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS), we examined land use/land cover changes and vegetation dynamics using three complementary vegetation indices: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Results reveal significant landscape transformations, including a marked increase in urban areas from 6.90 km² to 19.00 km², a dramatic 98% reduction in forest cover, and a doubling of agricultural vegetation areas. The correlation analysis between indices showed perfect correlation between NDVI and SAVI (r=1.00), while EVI provided complementary information with distinct correlations (r=0.76 and 0.61). Classification accuracy assessment yielded Kappa coefficients of 89.1% and 92.3% for 2003 and 2023, respectively. These findings highlight concerning trends in environmental degradation and landscape homogenization, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable land management practices in this semi-arid region. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and land managers in developing strategies for balanced territorial development and environmental conservation in Ain Abid.