Bibliometric Analysis and Knowledge Mapping of Research Trends and Pat-terns in the Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for Sustainable Land Management

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Edu-cation, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran,

Abstract

Purpose: This study employs a scientometric approach to analyze research on remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in sustainable land management. Given the increasing importance of these technologies in optimizing natural resource utilization and advancing sustainable development, the primary goal is to examine the growth of published literature and evolving research trends in this field.
Methodology: This research employs a descriptive, applied approach within a scientometric framework, enabling the quantitative and visual mapping of scientific literature. The dataset consists of 749 research articles indexed in the Scopus database, covering publications from 2000 to 2024. To ensure a comprehensive and targeted collection of relevant literature, a systematic search strategy was implemented. This involved developing specific, carefully crafted keywords such as “remote sensing,” “GIS,” “sustainable land management,” “precision agriculture,” and “natural resource management,” combined using Boolean operators to refine search results and maximize relevance. The search results were further curated through an inclusion-exclusion process based on established criteria, including publication type, language, and subject relevance. For data analysis and visualization, the study utilizes VOSviewer, a sophisticated software tool designed to map scientific networks. VOSviewer effectively identifies significant research trends, keyword co-occurrences, and thematic clusters, while visualizing the intellectual structure of the field. The software reveals collaboration networks among authors and institutions, highlights influential publications, and uncovers interconnected themes, providing a holistic understanding of the dynamics within this research landscape. The integration of bibliometric indicators—such as citation counts and publication frequencies—with visualization techniques allows for an insightful assessment of the evolution and current state of remote sensing and GIS applications.
Findings: The analysis demonstrates a remarkable and consistent upward trend in scholarly interest and publication output related to remote sensing and GIS in sustainable land management from 2000 to 2024. Specifically, the number of publications increased from approximately 50 in the early 2000s to over 299 in 2024, indicating a significant escalation in research activity. This growth correlates with rapid technological advancements, decreasing costs for remote sensing data acquisition, and the proliferation of open-access data repositories, which have collectively democratized access to critical geospatial information. Additionally, increased recognition among researchers and policymakers of the vital role these technologies play in achieving sustainability goals has driven a surge in scholarly output. The keyword analysis highlights dominant research themes and evolving focal points. Terms such as “GIS,” “remote sensing,” “agriculture,” “water quality,” and “land management” appear frequently and form interconnected networks, illustrating the multidisciplinary and application-oriented nature of this research field. These clusters address critical issues such as spatial data analysis, environmental monitoring, resource efficiency, water pollution, and sustainable land use. The network analysis reveals extensive international collaboration, underlining the global nature of these challenges. Researchers from different countries work synergistically, sharing data and methodologies to develop innovative solutions. The interconnectivity among clusters signifies the interdisciplinary nature of remote sensing and GIS research, emphasizing its role in integrating environmental, social, and economic perspectives. The findings of this study highlight the capacity of remote sensing and GIS technologies to enhance decision-making, optimize land use, and facilitate early warning systems for environmental hazards. The ongoing development of these technologies—including higher-resolution sensors, real-time data transmission, and advanced analytical algorithms—promises to further amplify their impact. Policymakers and stakeholders across sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, environmental conservation, and water resource management can leverage the insights gained from this comprehensive scientometric analysis to formulate strategic actions aligned with sustainability objectives. Investment in research and development of geospatial technologies should be prioritized within national and international frameworks to accelerate innovation and implementation. The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics with remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) heralds a new era of predictive modeling and adaptive management. These advancements will enable more precise forecasts of environmental changes and resource demands, supporting proactive rather than reactive strategies.
Conclusion: This study shows increasing scientific interest in remote sensing and GIS over the past two decades, as evidenced by an increasing number of publications focused on practical applications. Network analysis identified five clusters associated with key areas such as spatial data analysis, environmental monitoring, and agriculture, highlighting their importance in decision-making and resource management. The findings emphasize the necessity of interdisciplinary and international collaboration to address global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. By combining diverse expertise, innovation and sustainable solutions can be fostered. Overall, integrating these technologies enhances our capacity to understand and manage environmental systems, promoting resilience and sustainability through cross-disciplinary efforts

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References

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