Simulating land use changes and environmental implications of transportation development in Barru Regency using cellular automata

The expansion of transportation infrastructure often induces significant changes in land use patterns within adjacent areas, accompanied by ecological impacts on natural landscapes and environmental sustainability.This study aims to project anticipated land use changes surrounding the construction zone of the Takkalasi-Bainange-Lawo road in Barru Regency, Indonesia, using the cellular automata (CA) approach integrated with geographic information systems (GIS).The simulation results reveal substantial land use transformations over the next two decades, including the conversion of six land use categories such as rice fields, mixed gardens, upland fields, and residential and industrial zones.Projections indicate a reduction in agricultural land, particularly rice fields, which also support local ecosystems, by approximately 6.2 hectares from 2023 to 2043, driven by increasing demands for residential and industrial development.Conversely, industrial zones are expected to expand significantly, with land converted from other categories such as rice fields and mixed gardens, potentially affecting biodiversity and ecological balance.This study provides critical insights for sustainable land use planning by addressing environmental impacts and the requirements of transportation infrastructure development.