SatelliteData-UrbanGrowth-GEE

Analyzing urban green cover changes using satellite imagery and Google Earth Engine (GEE). This project utilizes remote sensing techniques to assess vegetation elasticity, land use changes, and sustainability in urban environments, contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and climate resilience. 🚀🌍

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Satellite Insights into Green Spaces: Towards Sustainable Cities

Project Overview

This repository contains the research work "Satellite Insights into Green Spaces: Towards Sustainable Cities", conducted by students of M.Sc. (Applied Statistics) semester-4 at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (V.N.S.G.U.), Surat, Gujarat.

Project member:

• Bansir Chovatiya
• Nistha Pavasiya
• Bhoomit Prajapati
• Meera Prajapati

Project Guide: Sahil Merai
Project Year: 2023-24

Introduction

This study uses satellite imagery to analyze urban sustainability by assessing the balance between built-up areas and green spaces. It contributes to:

• Goal 15 (Life on Land)
• Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Goal 13 (Climate Action)
• Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
• Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

The research highlights urban green spaces' role in climate resilience, mitigating heat island effects, and improving well-being.

Study Area: Surat City, Gujarat

Surat, also known as "The Silk City" and "The Diamond City," is a rapidly urbanizing commercial hub. Spanning 461.6 km² with 8 zones and 134 wards, the city has seen significant population growth. Remote sensing plays a crucial role in tracking land use changes and vegetation health, aiding sustainable development.

Key Findings

Land Cover Changes in Surat (2019-2023)

• Built-up Areas: Decreased from 40.97% (2019) to 36.13% (2023)
• High Vegetation: Increased from 2.83% to 3.59%
• Moderate Vegetation: Increased from 8.55% to 9.72%
• Mild Vegetation: Decreased from 17.42% to 15.44%
• Light Vegetation: Remained stable at 16.47%

Built-Up to Green Cover Ratio (2019-2023):

• 2019: 16.15 times
• 2020: 19.99 times
• 2021: 21.14 times (peak)
• 2022: 19.23 times
• 2023: 20.64 times

Vegetation Elasticity in Tier 1 & 2 Cities

The impact of 1% increase in built-up area varies:

• Surat: Mild vegetation sees the highest decline (-0.52%)
• Ahmedabad: Significant loss in light vegetation (-0.82%)
• Mumbai & Bengaluru: Light vegetation shows resilience (+0.58% and +0.32%)
• Chandigarh: Light vegetation increases (+0.3%)

SDG Alignment

• Goal 15: Protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity
• Goal 11: Promoting sustainable urban planning
• Goal 13: Enhancing climate resilience through green cover
• Goal 3: Improving public health via urban green spaces
• Goal 17: Encouraging partnerships for data-driven policies

Policy Recommendations

• Urban Greening: Green roofs, urban parks, and vertical gardens
• Ecosystem Protection: Buffer zones and tree protection laws
• Climate Resilience: Green space integration in disaster planning
• Public Health: Linking green spaces with community well-being
• Remote Sensing Utilization: Data-driven urban planning

Conclusion

To balance urban growth and sustainability, Surat must prioritize roadside vegetation, expand green initiatives, and protect mild vegetation. Remote sensing ensures precise monitoring, aiding informed decision-making for a greener future.

Repository Contents

• Project Documents
• 📄 SDG-15 Life On Land Document
• 📄 Executive Summary of SDG-15 Life On Land

Analysis Workflow

• 📄 Urban Green Insights Analysis Workflow
• Images and Data Visualizations
• 

Contact

For queries, reach out to project guide MR.Sahil Merai at Department of statistics V.N.S.G.U., Surat, Gujarat.

Tools Used

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Feel free to contribute and explore sustainability through urban remote sensing! 🚀🌱