Urban Biophysical Quality Modelling Based On Remote Sensing Data In Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

Cities are centres of economic growth with fascinating dynamics, including persistent urbanisation that encroaches adjacent arable lands to build urban physical features and sustain services offered by urban ecosystems. Even though industrial revolution, economic dynamics, and environmental changes affect spatial feasibility for housing, complex urban growth is always followed by the development of environmentally friendly cities. However, with such quality having multiple facets, it is necessary to assess and map liveable areas from a more comprehensive and objective perspective. This study aimed to assess, map and identify the biophysical quality of an urban environment using a straightforward technique that allows rapid assessment for early detection of changes in the quality. It proposed a multi-index approach termed the urban biophysical environmental quality (UBEQ) based on spectral characteristic of remote sensing data for residential areas calculated using various data derived from remote sensing. Statistical analyses were performed to test data reliability and normality. Further, many indices were analysed, then employed as indicators in UBEQ modelling and tested with sensitivity and factor analysis to obtain the best remote sensing index in the study area. Based on PCA Results, it was found that the built-up land index and vegetation index mainly contributed to the UBEQ index. The generated model had 86.5% accuracy. Also, the study area, Semarang City, had varying UBEQ index values, from high to low levels.

Urban Green Spaces Distribution and Disparities in Congested Populated Areas: A Geographical Assessment from Pakistan

“…In urban ecology, green spaces are defined as unsealed pieces of land with permeable soil that hosts grass, trees, and shrubs. However, several studies proved that in urban areas, particularly in developing nations, the provision of green spaces is a challenge due to several social, economic, ecological, and geographical issues [1]. This phenomenon related to the difficulty in maintaining green spaces is different from region to region and from time to time.…”

“…From an urban sustainability point of view, green spaces are globally considered by all human cultures as natural ornaments, capable of increasing environmental pleasantness in urban areas [1]. From the scientific perspective, these spaces are considered the most relevant element for heightening the environmental quality and safety in the cities.…”