Geospatial Technology in Urban Forest suitability: Analysis for Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

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Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Changes in the landscape patterns have limited the range of greenery in the urban vicinity. Although urban forestry is widely recognized and practiced in developed countries, it is less known in developing countries. It is an integral part that cannot be overlooked because it enhances the quality of life and the environment for urban inhabitants and ensures the sustainable urban development. Geospatial technology has the potential to analyse and delineate suitable sites for urban forestry. For the present study we have selected one of the Indian cities, Ranchi, where rapid urbanization has altered the climate of the city by increasing the summer heat, air and noise pollution. In addition, the development of infrastructure has left very little space for the development of greenery. The study utilized Landsat OLI satellite data (30 m resolution; 2015) and analysed it for suitable locations in open spaces after digital processing. A radius of 30 km from the city centre, Firayalal chowk was analysed. Ancillary data, like an ASTER DEM (resolution 30 m) wetness map, slope, soil carbon, a drainage and urban buffer were incorporated in the GIS domain for Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA). The land surface temperature was also computed using thermal bands of Landsat 8 OLI. A suitability map which identified potential area (27% as highly suitable, 38% as moderately suitable and 35% as least suitable sites within the existing open spaces). Highly potential sites are located along the Kanke reservoir, the Harmu River, near Khelgaon and the airport. High temperatures (low vegetation and high settlement concentration) were noted within the 0-10 km buffer zone close to the city centre. Whereas low temperatures (high vegetation and low settlement concentration) were noted within the 20-30 km buffer zone, far from the city centre. Therefore, integrating satellite remote sensing data in the GIS domain helps in analysing, identifying and locating suitable sites for urban forest development and management. The high temperature observed in the vicinity of the city centre should be the focal point for an urban forestry implementation programme.