A GIS-Based Land Use and Land Cover Mapping Project for Informed Decision-Making in Barangay San Miguel, Alaminos, Laguna

Barangay San Miguel, Alaminos, Laguna, is a prosperous community undergoing significant development. However, the lack of precise land use and land cover (LULC) data hinders informed decision-making for sustainable development. This research aimed to generate an LULC map, offering insights for the barangay's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Leveraging geospatial data from Sentinel-2 Satelite, including local records and governmental agencies, the researchers assessed land use and land cover percentages. Orcharts cover 63.51%, residential areas 14.12%, with 4.56% for constructions and 0.59% for business zones. Additionally, 3.21% is allocated to farmers' field, while forests and meadows comprise 5.55%. The map also highlights essential features like roads, Farmland, churches, and schools, reflecting the community's diverse landscape. By employing manual-based approaches and advanced Geographic Information System tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D and QGIS software, the researchers successfully converted index maps into GIS application. Fieldwork, supervised by authorized geodetic engineers, involved site investigations, surveys, and relocation plans. The project's emphasis on meeting the demands of local authorities underscores its contribution to sustainable development.