African Journal of Geography and Regional Planning

African Journal of Geography and Regional Planning ISSN 3627-8945 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-010, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The study of urban growth impact in tourism area using remote sensing and GIS technique for north part of the UAE

Mohamed R. Bualhamam

Department of Geography and Urban Planning, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, P. O. Box.17771, United Arab Emirates. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 05 September, 2018

Abstract

Due to the complex nature of tourism resources of the Northern part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the potential of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) in resolving these issues was used. The study was an attempt to use existing GIS data layers to identify sensitive natural environment and archaeological heritage resources that may be threatened by increased urban growth and give some specific recommendations to protect the area. By identifying sensitive natural environment and archaeological heritage resources, public agencies and citizens are in a better position to successfully protect important natural lands and direct growth away from environmentally sensitive areas. The paper concludes that applications of GIS and RS in study of urban growth impact in tourism resources are a strong and effective tool that can aid in tourism planning and decision making.

Key words: Tourism, urban growth, GIS, remote sensing, Ras al Khaimah, UAE.