Qualitative Changes in Green Space of District 1 of Tabriz City within the Period 1989-2010 Using Remote Sensing Techniques

Authors

1 Assoc. Prof. Department of Environment Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch

2 Msc. Environmental Management of Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate the changes in green space of District 1 of Tabriz City in a 21-
year time period (1989 to 2010) using remote sensing techniques. In this research, multi-temporal
images of LANDSAT Satellite, sensors TM and ETM+were used to model physical development and
changes in green space of the district during the years 1989 to 2010. Destructive role of expansion
of urban areas and transport network have been so significant in dramatic loss of green space in
District 1 of Tabriz City. The obtained results revealed that during the studied period (1989 to 2010),
the green space area of the district has been decreased from 255.61 ha in 1989 to 180.45 ha in 2010
representing approximate 30% loss of green space area. At the same time, built-up areas have been
expanded from 702.19 ha in 1989 to 958.14 ha in 2010 while urban transport network area of the
district has been developed from 101.61 ha in 1989 to 291.24 ha in 2010. Finally, some management
sterategies were recommended towards taking advantage of available opportunities for developing
the green space of the District 1 of Tabriz City of which the most important is "compilation of
comprehensive green space management plan".

Keywords