This study uses image processing and remote sensing to detect land use changes in Palladam Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India between 1972 and 2011. Landsat imagery from 2011 was classified using supervised classification in SAGA GIS and topographic maps from 1972 were digitized in QGIS. The classified 2011 image and digitized 1972 maps were analyzed in QGIS to estimate land use areas and detect changes. Results found settlements increased 260% from 14.36km2 to 37.35km2 between 1972 and 2011 due to urban expansion and population growth. Water bodies increased 17% likely due to new quarry pools. Minimal changes were detected for transportation networks.