Assessing Water Availability and Its Impact on Environmental Pattern Changes in Baghdad City Using NDWI and Web Mapping Techniques

The resilience of urban communities worldwide is a critical challenge, and Iraqi society, characterized by its size and numerous difficulties, is no exception. Notably, this society emerged along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, underscoring the significance and influence of surface water extent on the rise of civilizations. Leveraging the capabilities of the Google Earth Engine platform, this research aims to assess the influence of water cover distribution in Baghdad, Iraq, through online mapping techniques. The study gathers and integrates geospatial data on surface water extent, land use, vegetation, and socio-economic factors, employing remote sensing data to evaluate changes in water bodies and land cover over time. The web-based mapping platform enables interactive visualization of the data, allowing stakeholders and decision-makers to explore the spatial connections of water cover distribution and indicators such as water availability, water quality, and land degradation. By analyzing the outcomes of this web mapping analysis, the research endeavors to provide valuable insights that can support evidence-based decision-making processes, inform urban planning strategies, and guide sustainable water resource management practices. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the intricate relationship of water cover distribution in urban areas, with the utilization of web-based mapping technologies enhancing the accessibility and usability of spatial data, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and promoting sustainable urban development in Baghdad City.