Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija from 2020 to 2025 Using GIS Mapping

land use land cover GIS mapping QGIS San Leonardo Nueva Ecija change detection urban expansion agricultural land

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May 18, 2026
May 23, 2026

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This study examines the land use and land cover (LULC) changes in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija from 2020 to 2025 through the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and pre-classified geospatial datasets obtained from the Philippine Geoportal. Employing a descriptive-spatial research design, the study utilizes QGIS to analyze, quantify, and compare changes in major land cover categories, including annual crops, built-up areas, perennial crops, inland water, and grassland/shrubland.

Findings indicate that although agricultural land remains the dominant land use, it experienced a decrease of 382.88 hectares, while built-up areas significantly increased by 246.84 hectares over the five-year period. These changes suggest a gradual transition from an agricultural landscape toward increased urban development. The results underscore the value of GIS-based spatial analysis in monitoring land use dynamics and providing essential data to support sustainable land use planning and policy formulation at the municipal level.