Urban classification of the built-up and seasonal variations in vegetation: A framework integrating multisource datasets

Abstract

The growing emphasis on integrating natural elements into urban environments to counteract adverse impacts has increased research into the role of vegetation within cities. Nonetheless, the inclusion of vegetation in urban classifications remains limited due to the associated challenges, such as time and cost constraints related to its measurement. This study introduces a classification framework that integrates spatio-temporal vegetation characteristics and built-up density variables at the neighbourhood scale using open-access datasets and remote sensing for data retrieval. Through a combination of statistical and spatial autocorrelation analyses and the application of two distinct classification methods to the 15 assessed variables, we identified four primary urban clusters. These clusters are further refined considering vegetation categories, which encompass general vegetation cover, vegetation cover levels, and vegetation cover changes tracked across two different seasons, corresponding to winter and summer. This comprehensive classification not only characterizes the built-up elements but also elucidates the distribution of vegetation showing the nuances in vegetation within similar urban clusters. The resulting classifications aim to bridge the existing gap in urban studies by incorporating the spatio-temporal scale and cover changes of vegetation. This framework serves as a precedent for creating context-specific classifications, which can be subsequently used for conducting further assessments on various urban issues. The outcomes of this study offer an overview of a study area, encompassing urban density and seasonal variations in vegetation. This information facilitates the identification of specific areas where additional attention may be warranted, particularly concerning the provision of ecosystem services and the development of strategies to enhance urban microclimates and thermal comfort, among other aspects.