Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's Urban Expansion (2001-2021): A Geospatial Analysis

Abstract

Over the past two decades, Navi Mumbai has undergone significant urban transformations, marking its evolution as one of India's prominent urban centers. This study meticulously examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban growth within the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) from 2001 to 2021 using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies. By deploying a series of satellite datasets—Landsat-5 and 7 (ETM+), and Landsat-8 (OLI/TIRS), the research captures the nuanced changes in land-use and land-cover. Our analysis reveals intricate patterns of urbanization, emphasizing the areas of rapid growth, land conversion, and potential environmental challenges. The juxtaposition of these Landsat datasets offers a comprehensive temporal view, highlighting the interplay between planned urban initiatives and spontaneous expansion. This investigation underscores the significance of geospatial technologies in decoding urban growth trajectories, providing valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and environmentalists keen on steering the sustainable future of the NMMC region.