Abstract
This study uses multi-temporal remote sensing and GIS techniques to examine spatiotemporal changes in land use/land cover (LULC), vegetation cover, and land surface temperature (LST) in Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu, between 2017 and 2024. To evaluate temporal and spatial changes in vegetation health, thermal regimes, and land use transitions, multitemporal geospatial datasets were examined. The findings show that while croplands and rangelands have declined, there has been a notable increase in tree cover and water bodies, reflecting both ecological regeneration and urbanization. While LST maps show localized thermal intensification linked to built-up growth, NDVI analysis shows an overall improvement in vegetation density. Terrain attributes further modulate these processes: elevation influences temperature gradients, slope affects land stability and vegetation distribution, and aspect controls exposure to solar radiation, thereby shaping microclimatic conditions. The study underscores the utility of integrated remote sensing approaches for supporting sustainable land management and climate-resilient planning in rapidly transforming agricultural landscapes.