Assessing urban green space area and quality using remote sensing and population data: A case study of Hanoi urban districts

Expansion of built-up areas has consumed large areas of natural ecological patches in many cities around the world, affecting environmental and living quality of urban residents.  Managing urban landscape and urban trees has gained a special attention in Vietnam in recent years. The green space development plan for Hanoi to 2030 and a vision to 2050 has targeted to reach 62% of green spaces. However, there is lack of detailed green space development plan at the district and commune/ward levels. This study aims to assess urban green space area and quality in Hanoi at the commune/ward levels using remote sensing and population data. The study uses combined remote sensing data from Google Earth, Sentinel-2, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to analyze urban green quality and space for Hanoi. The urban green space will be combined with population data at commune/ward level to estimate urban tree cover per person. The research results can contribute to improve the credibility and scientifically of green space construction so that urban planning can adapt and serve the city and its residents and achieve green development.