URBOGEOSYSTEM TRANSFORMATION OF URBAN GREEN SPACES UNDER ANTRHROPOGENIC AND WARTIME IMPACTS (A CASE STUDY OF KHARKIV)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/2413-7154/2026.95.71-100Keywords:
green spaces, urban geosystem, GIS-analysis, remote sensing, vegetation indices, anthropogenic impactAbstract
This paper examines spatiotemporal changes of green urban geosystems within Kharkiv (2016-2024) under the effects of severe anthropogenic pressure and wartime impact. This research continues to develop a better understanding of the features transforming important recreation zones (T. G. Shevchenko Garden and Central Park) through the use of an urban geosystem approach, RS-methods and GIS-technique. The analysis employs an integrated approach using data from the Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite imagery (Level 2A) applying NDVI, EVI, SAVI, and NDBI indices so that traditional monitoring limitations can be eliminated. The findings indicate a complex transformation of the study area, with an average NDVI increasing by 4.3%, at the same time increasing by 32% for the spatial heterogeneity of the study area which demonstrates the fragmentation qualitative degradation of green zones has occurred. The authors refer to this phenomenon as the “NDVI paradox”, according to which local losses of mature tree stands, because of reconstruction and wartime damage, create a false impression of a general improvement in green space conditions. The analysis also shows that the development of infrastructure is a more important contributor to the loss of green biomass than residential construction and that the replacement of native old growth tree species with non-native ornamental landscaping tree species has had a negative impact on the ecological resilience of these areas. Verification using Google Earth Pro confirmed that anthropogenic impact was a cause of the observed spectral anomalies. The research strongly supports changing from older forms of monitoring to Digital Areal Management and the use of precise 3D Models. This type of monitoring will help develop policies for the post-war rebuilding strategy for Kharkiv using nature-based solutions for urban development and resilience.
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