Spatial changes of coastline of Dojran and Prespa Lakes using GIS and Landsat Imagery

Abstract

The spatial changes that occur in natural lakes have a different features, from a hydrological character (change in lake level, surface, coastline) to microbiological level (flora and fauna in lake waters) as well as water quality. In this paper, we will mainly focus on physical-geographical changes, primarily on the surface of the lake and the displacement of the coastline and the volume of water. The main objective of this paper is understanding of the integrated application of various GIS techniques in monitoring numerous natural objects and their changes through space and time. Also, in this paper, the monitoring of the spatial condition of the Prespa and Dojran lakes during the period from 1985 to 2022, i.e. a period of 37 years, is covered. It is important to note that Dojran Lake has a history of long oscillations in the lake level and a drastic shift of the coastline and return to previous position. In contrast, the situation with Prespa Lake is alarming because, in the last decade, the water level of the lake has been in continuous decline, and since it is mainly a shallow lake, the spatial changes, especially in the shifting of the coastline, are dramatic. This drastic change is a potential threat to the survival of one of the oldest lakes in the Republic of North Macedonia and Europe.