Spatial Modeling of Land Use Changes in Qazvin City until 2025

Predicting the future development of the city has an essential role in achieving sustainable development. There is a direct relationship between land use changes and emission of pollutants. The present study used satellite images, remote sensing models, and geographic information systems to predict land use changes in Qazvin City. In the first step, the Principle Component Analysis was used to summarize the data and highlight the similarities and differences between the different bands. Then, the land use map for each of the studied years (1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020) was drawn using the Land Change Modeler analysis, and the land use changes between 1990 and 2020 were calculated. The findings show a severe decline in agricultural land and green space as a result of their conversion into constructed land. 735.66 hectares of these lands were destroyed during the study period and turned into constructed lands. If this trend continues until 2025, another 69 hectares will be destroyed. Converting agricultural lands and green spaces to residential, commercial, and industrial greatly increases the potential for pollutant emissions. These changes are associated with an increase in greenhouse gases in urban areas. This development should be based on green infrastructure especially the use of renewable energies and the management of freshwater.