Use of satellite data and gis in land cover change monitoring

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33730/2310-4678.4.2025.346196

Keywords:

forest cover, vegetation indices, Ukrainian Carpathians, forest degradation, clear-cut and selective logging, forest stands

Abstract

The article examines the practical foundations for monitoring dynamic transformations of forest cover in the Ukrainian Carpathians through the use of GIS technologies. The purpose of the study is to investigate the spatiotemporal changes of forest ecosystems in the Carpathian region through the synthesis of multispectral satellite imagery and spatial modelling within a GIS environment to ensure reliable detection of anthropogenic and naturally driven disturbances. The methodological framework is based on integrating multispectral satellite data from several platforms with a set of spectral vegetation indices. Procedures for time-series processing and analysis, classification, vectorization, and correlation modelling were implemented in the QGIS software environment, taking into account orographic, infrastructural, and forest-management factors. The obtained results revealed pronounced differentiation in the transformation processes of forest cover in the Ukrainian Carpathians, with an average intensity of approximately 0.7–1.2% of annual forest-area losses. Quantitative assessment confirmed the dominant role of anthropogenic factors in shaping the current dynamic changes, contributing nearly 90% of all disturbances. Within the structure of anthropogenic impacts, clear-cutting and selective logging prevail, particularly within the Rakhiv, Verkhovyna, and Skole districts. The practical significance of the research lies in developing a scientifically grounded toolkit to support environmental monitoring and decision-making for the protection of forested landscapes in the Ukrainian Carpathians. GIS-based monitoring enables the comparative analysis of temporal changes in forest structure and condition to inform measures aimed at preserving and restoring forest cover. Further studies should focus on taxonomic classification of various types of land degradation and improving cloud-based web-GIS platforms for operational monitoring of land conditions in the Carpathian region and other areas of Ukraine.

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Published

2025-11-14

Issue

No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles

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