Abstract

Planners and decision-makers need accurate spatial and attribute data to understand the current situation and plan for the future. Landuse/ landcover data are essential to draw plans and strategies to meet the needs of the population. Landuse in Nablus city is chosen to be studied because it is the largest city in the northern part of the West Bank, and at the same time represents the economic capital of the West Bank. This study aimed at investigating changes in land use in Nablus using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and field sampling. The importance of this study comes from the incorporation of field data into the modern technology used (GIS)، that enabled to get accurate spatial and attribute data on landuse of Nablus for different periods. These data can be useful to planners by giving valid information on landuse change trends in the city. The study showed that substantial changes in landuse occurred in Nablus between the years 1944-2000، and an imbalance of landuse distribution exists.

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