Environmental Quality Monitoring Using Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) in Can Tho City, Vietnam.

Abstract

The significance of green spaces and ecological priorities in urban areas–two major concepts and advancements in Vietnam's recent urban growth, particularly in Can Tho City–is addressed by urban planning. An ecological assessment necessitates participating in urban planning and the eco-environment protection system. This study evaluated the change in the ecological quality of Can Tho City in the period 2015 - 2020 by approaching remote sensing indicators and statistical methods. Using Landsat 8 OLI satellite data from 2015 to 2020, four indicators were calculated in this study: heat (LST), dryness (NDBSI), wetness (WET), and greenness (NDVI). These indices were then applied using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to estimate the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI). According to the data, the RSEI mean was 3.66 in 2015 and 3.60 in 2020. In 2015, areas with good and very good ecological quality (EQ) accounted for 88.78% of the total natural area; by 2020, it was 84.75%. The areas with low quality increased from 1.97% in 2015 to 3.49% in 2020. This indicates a decreasing trend in ecological quality within the area. The declining trend in urban ecological quality (UEQ) at Can Tho City between 2015 and 2020 can be objectively reflected by the RSEI and the shifting proportions of the ecological level. The results of RSEI provide fundamental data on the ecological quality of the urban environment to support policymakers, managers, and authorities in implementing and developing sustainable approaches to urban ecological conservation and environmental quality preservation.