Land-use mapping for the State of Kuwait using the Geographical Information System (GIS)

A land use survey was undertaken at a scale 1:100,000 for the State of Kuwait. Land use is classified into 19 map units based on field survey and interpretation of Landsat imagery. The latest topographic map coverage for the State of Kuwait was used as a base map. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for the storage, analysis and presentation of spatial data. Summary statistics of total areas of each map unit are presented in nine 1:100,000 map sheets, and percentage areas of the different land uses were identified. Land use is dominated by rangeland (75.12%) which is used primarily for grazing activities, and also recreational activities such as spring camping and hunting. Oil fields (7%) include areas of existing development of wells and associated infrastructure. Water reservoir areas represent the surficial extent of aquifers and natural water fields. Military areas (4%) are scattered throughout the country. Other significant land uses include the built-up areas of Kuwait City (3.5%), and agricultural areas (3%), quarries, borrow pits and dumps of building debris, communication facilities, cemeteries, parkland, encampments, power stations, racetracks and unused land (7%). Land use information can be used as the basis for future land use planning applications.