Mapping Prosopis Juliflora Invasion Using Remote Sensing Data and GIS Geostatistics Techniques

Prosopis Juliflora is a highly invasive tree that has a severe impact on native species and ecosystems. The most difficult part of controlling Prosopis Juliflora invasion is precisely mapping its presence and distribution pattern. Recent developments in remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies have enabled to map different types of vegetation. In this study, remote sensing data were combined with supervised classification using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) to map the total cover of Prosopis Juliflora, which was then analyzed using a GIS geo-statistical system. In Sharjah, the UAE's third largest city, images from Landsat 7 and 8 were used over the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. The overall cover of Prosopis Juliflora increased by 1.17% during 20 years, from 11.99 km2 in 2000 to 14.13 km2 in 2020, according to Prosopis Juliflora maps. Geo-statistics showed that Prosopis Juliflora exhibits a spatial clustering pattern and that the majority of Prosopis Juliflora is still under controllable secondary scheme in the eastern and southern parts of the city, with the exception of some areas in the eastern and western parts of the city that require thinning.