Multi-Sensor Satellite Images for Detecting the Effects of Land-Use Changes on the Archaeological Area of Giza Necropolis, Egypt

Rapid urban expansion around the Giza Necropolis, Egypt, has significantly increased land subsidence and groundwater levels, threatening ancient monuments like the Sphinx and pyramids. A study analyzing multi-sensor satellite data from 1965 to 2019 revealed that urban areas grew from 7.63% to nearly two-thirds of the total area, with an annual growth rate of 0.642 km²/year. This expansion correlated with a land subsidence value of −0.0138 m and rising groundwater levels, posing risks to cultural heritage. The research integrated optical satellite imagery (Corona 1965, Landsat 2009, Sentinel-2 2016) and radar data (Sentinel-1 2016–2019) using spatial analysis tools like Envi5.3, ArcMap10.6.1, and SNAP6.0 to assess land-use changes and their geophysical impacts. The findings underscore the need for mitigation strategies to preserve these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Elfadaly, A., Zanaty, N., Mostafa, W., Hendawy, E., & Lasaponara, R. (2024). Multi-Sensor Satellite Images for Detecting the Effects of Land-Use Changes on the Archaeological Area of Giza Necropolis, Egypt. Land, 13(4), 471. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040471