Analysis and Assessment of Land-Cover Changes in Bisha Governorate (1985–2025) Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Techniques.

This studying aims to analyze and assess land cover changes in Bisha Governorate during the period 1985–2025 by tracking transformations in vegetation cover (natural and agricultural), urban areas, dry valleys, rocky and desert lands, and water bodies. The study employed historical and analytical approaches, utilizing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to monitor spatial and temporal patterns of change. The results indicate that urban expansion and demographic growth contributed to a decline in vegetated areas, while vegetation cover was influenced by climatic factors, recording its highest extent of approximately 523 km² in 2005. The findings reveal that the interaction between climatic and human factors has led to significant spatial transformations across all land cover categories. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting integrated policies for resource management, controlling urban expansion, and improving agricultural practices in response to rainfall variability, while highlighting the crucial role of remote sensing techniques in monitoring environmental changes and supporting decision-making in arid and semi-arid regions.