Landscape Metrics and NDVI Analysis to analyze Urban Growth and Green Space loss: Insights from Murree Tehsil (2000-2020)

Green Space Change Detection using GIS Techniques.

Authors

  • Samra Waheed Institute of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS),National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Qudsia Nadeem Institute of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS),National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Maryam Mazhar Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Syeda Maria Ali Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad
  • Aneeza Islam Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Iftikhar Ali Project Wing, Ministry of Planning Division & Special Initiatives, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Keywords:

green spaces, vegetation change, Landscape Metric Analysis, Fragmentation, Urban growth

Abstract

Investigating changes in vegetation is crucial for understanding interactions between land and atmosphere, and their consequent effects on climate. The variations in Land Use Land Cover hold profound implications for environmental conditions and landscape characteristics. In this study, we focus on detecting transformations in green spaces and analyzing the landscape patterns within Murree Tehsil, which is an area driven by over-increasing urbanization trends and eco-tourism attractions in Pakistan. We employed multi-temporal Landsat imagery, including TM and OLI-TRIS from the years 2000, 2010, and 2020, and detected changes in the green space and calculated various landscape metrics. Our findings show concerning trends, as the dense vegetation that accounted for 62.44% in 2000 decreased to a mere 56.31% by 2020. In contrast, sparse vegetation and settlements, which represented 22.06% and 2.02% in 2000, surged to 30.13% and 6.73%, respectively, by 2020. The landscape metrics also revealed decreasing trends until 2010 and a slight increase in 2020 due to afforestation efforts. The dynamic transformation of Murree's landscape underscores a multifaceted process that is fundamentally reshaping the local ecosystem. Considering these changes, it becomes important to assess and estimate these changes with precision. Such understanding would have a direct relevance for effective planning and the sustainable utilization of our natural resources.

Author Biographies

Syeda Maria Ali, Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad

Presently working as Associate Professor/ chairperson Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad

Ph.D (QAU Islamabad Pak), Post Doctorate in Water Quality Assessment (Environmental Resource Center, Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, USA), Post Doctorate in Species Distribution Modeling (Institute for Applied ecology, University of Canberra, Australia. She has number of publications at her credit in renowned national and international journals.)

Specialization: Urban Ecology, Phytosociology, GIS &RS, Climate Change Assessment, Soil Science, Palynology, Pesticide Pollution.

Aneeza Islam, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan

Ms Aneeza Islam is a PhD student and Visiting Faculty in teh Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad. She is a specialized environmentalist witha  strong GIS and Remote sensing skills. Her research interests focus on urban climatology, vegetation dynamics and sustainable urban development.

Iftikhar Ali, Project Wing, Ministry of Planning Division & Special Initiatives, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Mr Iftikhar Ali is working as Deputy Director GIS in Monitoring and Evaluations Department at Project Wing, Ministry of Planning Division & Special Initiatives, Islamabad, Pakistan. HIs research interests include image analysis, image processing and utilization of GIS and web GIS Technologies.

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Published

2025-11-30

How to Cite

Waheed, S., Nadeem, Q., Mazhar, M., Ali, S. M., Islam, A., & Ali, I. (2025). Landscape Metrics and NDVI Analysis to analyze Urban Growth and Green Space loss: Insights from Murree Tehsil (2000-2020): Green Space Change Detection using GIS Techniques. Journal of Himalayan Earth Sciences, 58(2), 147-161. Retrieved from http://ojs.uop.edu.pk/jhes/article/view/2037

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Himalayan Earth Sciences

Section

Articles