Vegetation Change Detection Through NDVI Analysis Using Landsat-8 Data

This study presents an assessment technique for detecting vegetation changes using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on Landsat-8 satellite imagery. NDVI measures vegetation coverage on Earth's surface, leveraging the distinct reflective properties of chlorophyll in the red (Red) and near-infrared (NIR) bands of multispectral datasets. This index, ranging from -1 to +1, effectively differentiates vegetated areas from barren or built-up regions. Using remote sensing techniques this research analyses NDVI data from Landsat images from Year 2013 to 2023 to evaluate vegetation changes in Syria, revealing a significant incline in vegetation over the period. NDVI's utility extends to land cover classification, identifying surface features such as water bodies, agricultural land, and dense forests. The results underscore NDVI's pivotal role in providing critical data for decision-making, emphasizing its importance in assessing vegetation health and guiding protective strategies against environmental degradation.