Sand Dune Detection Across Saudi Arabia

This dataset presents a geospatial analysis of sand dune distribution and dynamics across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is derived from Sentinel-2 surface reflectance imagery acquired between January 1, 2023, and July 3, 2023. The dataset utilizes cloud-free, atmospherically corrected imagery processed through spectral band combinations (B2, B4, B7, B8, B11, and B12) to generate a median composite image. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to enhance the detection of spectral variations associated with sand movement. Additionally, the Normalized Difference Sand Index (NDESI) was calculated to identify and map active dune fields. The final dataset includes clipped outputs, spatially referenced dune indices, and derived sand movement layers intended to support environmental monitoring, desertification assessment, and land surface dynamics analysis throughout the Kingdom.