Estimating changes of coastal land using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, over a period of time can provide insights into sustainable use of natural resources, especially land. In this study, images captured from Landsat Multispectral-scanner (MSS), Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 of Alappad, a coastal town in Kerala in 1990, 2001, 2005 and 2009 are used to elucidate spatial distribution of land and land use pattern over a period of two decades. During 1990 - 2009, remarkable decline of vegetation and sand from coastal areas is seen. Understanding land use patterns over a period of time is essential for decision makers to implement sustainable land use measures and policies.

Keywords

Land use, Land cover, Coastal land, Geographic Information Systems and Sustainability