Monitoring the condition of urban green spaces through time-series satellite imagery

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Abstract

Urban green spaces are essential for maintaining city livability, particularly in the face of climate extremes like prolonged droughts. This study evaluates the condition and changes of green areas in Mezőkövesd between 2017 and 2024 using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. NDVI and the Green Surface Intensity Index (ZFI) were used to assess vegetation health and spatial distribution. Findings reveal a significant decline in vegetation from 2022 due to drought, highlighting the vulnerability of urban greenery. Although the average per capita green space exceeds WHO minimums, spatial disparities exist. Accessibility analyses show that several areas lack nearby recreational green spaces. Targeted greening and climate-resilient planting are recommended.