2.4 LULC change detection and analysis of spatial trend
A post classification change detection technique is used to determine changes in LULC categories between 2017 and 2019. This process resulted in three change detection maps; (i) 2017 2018; (ii) 2018 2019; and (iii) 2017 2019. These operation helps defining changes in LULC which subsequently aid in assessing forest degradation, caused by resettlement of Rohingya populations. Earlier (e.g., 2017) and later (e.g., 2018) thematic maps are compared, on a pixel by pixel basis, and transformation of LULC categories is defined to compute changes from a specific land class to other classes (e.g., shrubs to Rohingya camps). The spatial trend is then analyzed, based on the pattern of change between earlier and later periods. Third order polynomial equation is used to analyze the spatial change pattern. The resulting trend surfaces aid understanding the direction of LULC change.