How can the use of satellite imagery enhance ecosystem services of urban forests and/or support citizen engagement in urban forest initiatives? by Uforest MOOC

Hot spots

2022-12-01 03:20:38 UTC

Satellite images can be used in a multitude of ways to identify various hot spots such as: areas where pollution is concentrated, areas with high temperatures, areas without vegetation, areas where water accumulates during rainy periods, areas where vegetation suffers from drought , etc. In practice, this information guides us in making decisions in urban forestry, their use being a necessity in the near future. In addition, all this information also has a temporary dimension and can bring important clues about the evolution as well as can be the basis for monitoring the evolution over time

Temperature data on hot summer days

2023-01-01 06:16:02 UTC

Many citizens already know that green spaces within a city or town produce services. For example, they know that trees capture carbon and lower the temperature during the summer days. Using satellite data, for example temperature data, you can clearly distinguish streets that have trees from the ones that don’t. Because the ones that have trees will be cooler. Showing which streets preform the worst can encourage locals to remove paved surfaces and green these street.

Interactive maps

2023-01-06 19:00:16 UTC

satellite images improve our knowledge about the Spatio-temporal distribution of different ecosystem services. The development of interactive maps allows a graphical recreating of the impact.

satellites imagery helps with identification of most suitable planting sites

2023-01-08 13:58:24 UTC

Satellite imagery can help with monitoring performance of an urban forest and comparing with the baseline data/images;
It can be used for accountability for funds spent and trees planted.
Tracking performances can also motivate more community involvement in an urban forest project.

Pervious Vs Impervious surfaces

2023-01-13 14:56:58 UTC

One of the many analysis Foresters can perform with the use of satellite images is the location and ratio of pervious and impervious surfaces.
Municipalities can keep track and monitor these surfaces in order to generate projects and initiatives that incorporates the elimination of hard surfaces and the inclusion of improved pervious surfaces in order to alleviate or be more resilient to climate change, extreme weather events and heat island effect.

Nairobi water crisis

2023-01-15 13:43:28 UTC

Nairobi has a widespread water scarcity problem, including a groundwater recharge problem and bore holes running dry. It also has a problem of flooding as well as pollution and siltation of its waterways. Satellite imagery could help to pinpoint the areas that need trees and other ground cover that could intercept the rain and help it infiltrate and percolate into the groundwater rather than cause dangerous costly floods and decreased water quality. This could help to set priorities with where to apply resources (time, funding, labour).

land use storyline

2023-01-24 12:12:52 UTC

Satellite imagery can help to elaborate a storyline of the land use of the territory chosen (and the one around) for a new urban forest. In this way it can be better understood the evolution of the land and some important info such as cultural- productive interests over the years and environmental info (how this land has been exploited and the consequent value of the soil with a deeper study).

Use of satellite images in Urban Forestry

2023-01-27 13:38:44 UTC

The use of satellite images in urban forestry can be very useful to understand where NBS are more necessary according to the prevalent type of land use in the city. Moreover images allow citizens to better understand the reasons of certain projects and to feel more involved in the decisional processes.

Use of satellite images in Urban Forestry

2023-01-29 09:20:47 UTC

Satellite imagery can be used to monitor the extent, health and changes in urban forests over time, enabling more informed management decisions.
By providing accessible and easy-to-understand information, they can raise awareness and engage citizens in urban forestry initiatives.
Through satellite imagery, we can identify areas in need of protection or restoration and identify species and habitats in need of protection, thereby protecting biodiversity.
Satellite imagery can support integrated land use planning by providing information on the distribution of urban forests and their interactions with other land uses.

Use of satellites

2023-01-31 19:38:31 UTC

Use of satellites can make an easir analysis with better quality and cheaper.
This technology could help t implement it anywhere, improving urban forests

Utilización de imágenes satelitales en los bosque urbanos

2023-02-01 02:07:46 UTC

La utilización de imágenes satelitales pueden, de manera rápida y económica, recolectar, procesar y mostrar información útil como imágenes reales, cuencas hidrológicas, datos de suelos, atmósfera, construcciones, parches y corredores, salud de los árboles, etc., que se pueden traducir en beneficios ecosistémicos que, en definitiva, son para la gente, la cual podrá participar y colaborar para el bien común y que probablemente le brinde alguna satisfacción especial

Satellites images

2023-02-02 01:55:21 UTC

I think using satellites images is an opportunity for citizens to understand how some of our cities are not green at all and to let them realize too that we need more green area where we can heal mental diseases other that contrast climate change.
The consciousness in people make them act to have a better place where to live.
Also with satellites images we can have a better idea of which plants do we have already, which ones we don't need, which ones we do need to plant more and so on.
Also to understand our piece of land better allow us to plan better for what we have, for the type of territory we have,.

How remote sensing helps?

2023-02-11 14:59:40 UTC

Satellite images can allow citizens to directly observe where the realization of an urbas forest is directly needed and track it's evolution over time. Having access to temperature and NDVI data (as an example) allow a objective analysis.

Compare land use over time

2023-02-15 15:51:52 UTC

Two satelite images (from diferent moments, could have been taken years apart) can be compared. This is useful for gaining awareness of the impact us humans are to our land. For example, the canalization of Riu Llobregat in Barcelona, or the airport construction.
In the picture: year 1945 vs year 2022. Extracted from ICGC-Vissir3

Provide real-time information important for decision makers

2023-02-17 14:53:55 UTC

Satellite Imagery and Ecosystem

2023-02-26 18:12:14 UTC

In my opinion satellite imagery can help the improvement of urban trees and vegetation. First, because is able to control the amount of vegetation and monitoring the places that need more attention. It possibly decision making and help to improve the quality of the choices.

technology and citizen engagement

2023-03-04 21:30:01 UTC

By leveraging the power of technology and citizen engagement, urban forests can become a key tool for improving the quality of life in cities and creating more sustainable and resilient urban environments.
The use of satellite imagery can enhance ecosystem services of urban forests by providing valuable data to inform decision-making, monitoring, and evaluation of forest health and services. This data can be used to improve urban forests' planning, design, and management engaging citizens in stewarding these green spaces.

satellite imagery and ecosystem services

2023-03-18 16:49:48 UTC

Satellite images can be used to know the distribution and healthy of urban forest spaces.

In this way, they make it possible to continuously observe how these spaces evolve in front of rising temperatures and droughts.

Satellite data also make it possible to obtain the amount of atmospheric carbon absorbed by vegetation continuously in time and space.

On the other hand, stress caused by pathogen attacks, by the presence of polluting substances or by a lack of water or nutrients has two effects on plants that can be detected from space: the light reflected by the plants and the type of aromatic substances they emit can give clues about their physiological state and how they use energy. Since satellites have sensors capable of detecting reflected light and aromatic compounds emitted by plants, their images allow us to interpret the state of health of plants and ecosystems.

These examples show us how the use of satellite images improves the monitoring of ecosystems both locally and globally, being an important tool in environmental management.

With all these indicators provided by the use of satellite images, we can design strategies to improve the ecosystem services of urban forests, make citizens aware that our health and well-being depends on the state of health of our plants, and propose activities that stimulate citizen participation in initiatives aimed at increasing and improving our urban ecosystems.

Satellite Imagery and Ecosystem Services

2023-03-23 16:53:42 UTC

Observe and analyze the spatial distribution of urban greening. Assess the relationships between the built environment, the blue and the green!

Satellite imagery

2023-03-23 17:30:53 UTC

Ecosystem services:
- Identification of hotspots, to help prioritize resources
- Mapping and monitoring: it gives information on the health of the forest and ecosystem services that can also be used in the discourse to stakeholders

Citizen engagement: used to communicate urban forestry to citizens, where they can visualize the extent of urban forests, different scenarios can be made for citizens to give their opinion on, and they are able to be involved through citizen science, with the use of certain platforms, they can add their visualizations and opinions

increasing public awareness in the Urban Forestry strategy

2023-03-25 07:46:18 UTC

Using satellite imagery.

2023-03-30 18:13:06 UTC

By using these methods it is possible to identify hotspots with valuable ecosystem services across urban forests. Given that ecosystem services vary in how they affect us, we can look for the values regarding shading, quality of air, protection from climate events, recreational values found within the forests, etc. By having an "eagle" view we can easily identify and better plan the distribution of ecosystem services across urban space. this can also be a useful tool to engage citizens into participating in forest initiatives; first, by understanding their interaction with urban forests and which ecosystem services are the most relevant for them but also by means of showing the layout of the forest, visitors can have an understanding of its extend and be aware of the challenges for managing these areas.

satellite imagery for engagement

2023-04-05 10:18:46 UTC

1. Identification of existing greenery and the proximity and distribution of it
2. Accessibility of existing green infrasturucture
3. Potential development areas
and by these observations the citizens may have a more clear understanding of the green infrastructure of the area they're living in it can enhance the engagement of the development of urban forests

Satellite imagery

2023-04-07 13:06:24 UTC

Satellite imagery allows us to have a recorded urban area over the time to see how was it and how is it now. This can be useful to make a tracking and see how our UF planning is evolving.
Furthermore, Satellite imagery approach citizens to urban forestry. I guess, doing a time-lapse of an area can encourage citizens to be more involved in UF. If you show images that highlight lack of forestry, not only you will make citizens feel disapointed but also they will be aware of this nowdays problem.

Satellite imagery

2023-04-13 08:18:23 UTC

It allows you to show wich places can be best to plant an urban forest, dismissing places that already have green areas and prioritazing the ones who don't.

Satellite Imagery for engaging citizens

2023-04-20 13:42:05 UTC

Citizen engagement is critical for successful urban forest initiatives. Satellite imagery can be used to educate and engage the citizens about the benefits of urban forests and importance of their conservation, thus, interactive online platforms that use satellite imagery can provide citizens with information on the location and condition of urban forests, allowing them to participate in citizen science initiatives and contribute to urban forest management efforts.

Satellite imagery for engagement

2023-04-28 12:10:03 UTC

1. Bio-healthy shade paths.
2. Bioclimatic shelters
3. Temperature map
4. Locations of improvements in green infrastructures
5. Location of infrastructures for air cleaning
6. Absorption map of CO2, PMx, NOx, SOx, etc.

Phenology of Urban Forests

2023-04-30 09:20:01 UTC

In my municipality and at the school where I work, we use the INaturalist app, linked to the RitmeNatura project, to monitor the phenology of the trees in our environment, in order to assess the effects of climate change on our urban forest . This app uses the satellite location of these trees.

Tree Canopy

2023-05-01 15:33:46 UTC

Satellite Imagery can improve our perspective on tree canopy in urban areas. It can also let us know where tree canopy is needed, as well as infrastructures around it. It can also tell us the climate conditions in the area including temperature, and it aids in the overall area assessment of urban forested areas.

explaning the effects of urban forest

2023-05-02 17:35:29 UTC

I will use the remoted data result to explanine the benefits of urban forest. People will be more familiar when we explain how urban forest change the air quality or how it banning the heat wawes. Giving more example will be helpfull to keep urban forest

If satellite imagery could have a strong visual impact on people's awareness about invasive species (aka invasive species spread)

2023-05-08 13:49:20 UTC

Satelite Imagery for ES and engagement

2023-05-10 12:59:25 UTC

Satelite Imagegeries are powerful tool that

1. communicate the extent of a problem like heat stress to people regardless of their educational background.
2. obtaining additional information from citizens about a particular challenges (social perspective)
3. keep record of changes (heat level) before and after the urban forest project. as such can be an effective way to communicate impact of the project to citizen.

Satellite imagery

2023-05-12 13:10:38 UTC

It is really useful to see the areas where a green layer could be implemented. It is helpful for urban planners and designers also.
Having a notion of the tree canopy is also important, as they can give us information about the ecosystem services.

Finding the problematic areas

2023-05-14 19:38:03 UTC

The satellite images are useful for both the human eye and AI to identify areas in need of change. For example large open areas or roads struggling with heat problems, or residential areas with no nearby green areas.
They can also help us see solutions; where the trees or green areas can be implemented, also using softwares to help us compare the images with other images across the world to identify problems and solutions.

technology helps

2023-05-16 11:10:31 UTC

I tjink that its easier for the citizens to see the real problems of our cities if the see it through the satelites pictures. It shows how bad the situtation really is and gives a great overview.

Satellite image

2023-05-17 08:27:12 UTC

It allows us to improve the planning of urban forest and to analyze the accessibility and distances from citizens residences. With satellite images we can to identify the areas with less green spaces and their status, it is a good tool to fight with ecological gentrification and to achieve environmental justice.

satellite images for better understanding and place making

2023-05-17 13:06:44 UTC

I think satellite images could be used for awareness activities at a small scale, to help citiziens better understand the place in which they live, including strenghts and weaknesses, co-planning changes.

Satellite imagery

2023-05-17 18:33:20 UTC

Satellite imagery is a useful tool for mapping and analysis of for example canopy cover, open spaces, and vegetation distribution. It can not only be used to evaluate what already exists but also enable us to identify what is missing in a specific area. Additionally, we are also able to follow changes over time using satellite images.

Satellite technology allows us to obtain images of several of the key factors in the life of an urban forest, from location to foliage, density, species, water stress and especially distribution. also the biological channels and the minimum distance of the various facilities with the green areas. Cancer is a unique tool.

2023-05-19 19:27:43 UTC

Using satellite imagery to enhance ecosystem services

2023-05-20 09:18:03 UTC

Satellite imagery could be used in a wide range of aspects related to the ecosystems services an urban forest can provide.
It can be used to map land cover and land usage, and for example, provide an estimate of how much timber could be coming out of an area of forest.
It can also be used to calculate the albedo of a region, and therefore extrapolate the surface of land occupied by trees. This would enable the managers and planners of a certain region to know how much greenery there is in their area, and how much more they need to achieve their goals.
It can also be used to involve the citizens, and develop information guides and maps, so that they can understand the goals and objectives of they project.

Reflection on Satellite Imagery Uses in UForest

2023-05-20 17:42:23 UTC

A practical example can be the monitoring and assessment of urban forests at large scales, providing valuable data on vegetation cover, land use changes, and ecosystem health. This information can help identify areas with high potential for urban forest development or restoration, and evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies.

If citizens and communities have access to this data, they will better understand the status of urban forests and make informed decisions about their involvement.

Satellite images

2023-05-21 06:56:51 UTC

Satellite images are now avalaible for all the citiziens. I think that is important to show the soil less in the last 10 years with buildings and city malls to explain why we need more urban forest.

Satellite imaginary and citizen engagement

2023-07-26 18:21:32 UTC

In my opinion, satellite images serve a crucial purpose by offering visual evidence that is beyond our human scale perception. Aerial imagery enables us to comprehend reality and observe its dynamic transformations over time. And this insight not only connects us with the existing situation of our environment but also fosters a strong sense of engagement among individuals to be a positive change towards it.

Satellite Imagery and Greenery Equity

2023-08-24 10:30:10 UTC

Satellite and aerial imagery represent valuable data sources for monitoring, mapping, and identifying tree canopies, thus revealing the intricate relationship between urban greenery distribution. Leveraging these technologies could aid governments in planning and establishing greener, more equitable cities.

Satellite Imagery Enhance Ecosystem Services

2023-09-06 16:07:02 UTC

Monitoring and Assessment:
Vegetation Health: Satellite imagery can provide regular and comprehensive monitoring of urban forest health. This includes tracking changes in vegetation density, identifying stressed or diseased trees, and assessing overall forest condition. This information helps in early intervention and maintenance, ensuring healthier urban forests.

Land Cover Analysis: Satellite data can be used to assess land cover within urban areas, identifying areas suitable for tree planting and urban greening. This information is crucial for informed urban planning and expansion of green infrastructure.

satellite imagery

2024-01-02 11:11:12 UTC

Assessment of Green Cover and Canopy Density

Mapping and Monitoring of Urban Biodiversity

Temperature Regulation and Urban Heat Island Effect

Air Quality Monitoring

Identification of Green Infrastructure Opportunities

Urban Growth and Land Use Change Analysis

Satelite Imagery

2024-02-16 18:18:20 UTC

Satelite imagery can be useful for spatial and temporal anslysis in urban forestry. Data can be acquired to tell the historical stories about urban forestry in a specific area and influence the urgency of establishing urban forests. In addition, satelite imagery may provide information on environmental attributes such Land surface temperature and how the temperature has been either increase or reduce over the years

Satellite Imagery for converting unused urban areas into urban forests

2024-02-27 07:43:56 UTC

Satellite imagery becomes a crucial tool when trying to identify potential unused urban areas that could be converted into urban forest.

Satellite Imagery

2024-02-29 01:27:42 UTC

Satellite imaginary is a key visual tool to show citizens how their urban environment changes throughout time, thanks to satellite images over the years, from a perspective which from they rarely see their city. By these images, it's easier to explain the importance and effect of canopy cover, green corridors or importance of large tree.

How can the use of satellite imagery enhance ecosystem services of urban forests and/or support citizen engagement in urban forest initiatives?

2025-09-16 15:06:21 UTC

By combining satellite imagery, open-source apps, sensors, and citizen science platforms, communities can directly guide where and how trees are planted. This makes urban forests more resilient to water scarcity, heat stress, pollution, and climate change, while giving citizens a sense of ownership.

Satellite imagery maps

2025-09-24 18:20:52 UTC

Ecosystem services – Satellite imagery maps canopy cover, tracks cooling effects, and estimates carbon storage.
Citizen engagement – It provides accessible visuals, supports citizen science apps, and enables participatory planning.
Impact – This makes benefits measurable for planners, visible for communities, and fosters shared stewardship.

Satellite Imagery: Ecosystem Services and Citizen Engagement

2025-10-17 08:28:33 UTC

Ecosystem services - Having a broad overview of urban and peri-urban forests can allow us to see and analyze how the entire system is functioning or if there are places where it needs to be improved or better maintained. Satellite imagery gives a broad overview that we are unable to have on ground level.

Citizen engagement - To see their surrounding forests and urban green areas on a larger scale will help put into perspective the impact that their spaces have on a broader scale, and seeing their spaces beside other green areas might allow them to feel a greater sense of responsibility and ownership for their spaces. On the more micro scale, satellite imagery can allow citizens to see where trees need help or better understand where they can enhance their existing green systems, which will allow them to take active initiative in the improvement of their surrounding green spaces.

Valentin Rozman

2026-05-06 17:33:43 UTC

Combining sattelite imagery with other date would create project synergy and result in better outcome.

Title: Tech-Driven Urban ForestryBody

2026-06-26 11:50:07 UTC

h-Driven Urban Forestry

Body:

Satellite imagery easily identifies Urban Heat Islands and dry zones. By linking this data to community apps, citizens can act as "ground sensors." During heatwaves, locals can use these apps to locate water-stressed trees and organize targeted emergency watering, turning high-tech mapping into real grassroots action.

How can the use of satellite imagery enhance ecosystem services of urban forests and/or support citizen engagement in urban forest initiatives? by Uforest MOOC

Hot spots

Temperature data on hot summer days

Interactive maps

satellites imagery helps with identification of most suitable planting sites

Pervious Vs Impervious surfaces

Nairobi water crisis

land use storyline

Use of satellite images in Urban Forestry

Use of satellite images in Urban Forestry

Use of satellites

Utilización de imágenes satelitales en los bosque urbanos

Satellites images

How remote sensing helps?

Compare land use over time

Provide real-time information important for decision makers

Satellite Imagery and Ecosystem

technology and citizen engagement

satellite imagery and ecosystem services

Satellite Imagery and Ecosystem Services

Satellite imagery

increasing public awareness in the Urban Forestry strategy

Using satellite imagery.

satellite imagery for engagement

Satellite imagery

Satellite imagery

Satellite Imagery for engaging citizens

Satellite imagery for engagement

Phenology of Urban Forests

Tree Canopy

explaning the effects of urban forest

If satellite imagery could have a strong visual impact on people's awareness about invasive species (aka invasive species spread)

Satelite Imagery for ES and engagement

Satellite imagery

Finding the problematic areas

technology helps

Satellite image

satellite images for better understanding and place making

Satellite imagery

Using satellite imagery to enhance ecosystem services

Reflection on Satellite Imagery Uses in UForest

Satellite images

Satellite imaginary and citizen engagement

Satellite Imagery and Greenery Equity

Satellite Imagery Enhance Ecosystem Services

satellite imagery

Satelite Imagery

Satellite Imagery for converting unused urban areas into urban forests

Satellite Imagery

How can the use of satellite imagery enhance ecosystem services of urban forests and/or support citizen engagement in urban forest initiatives?

Satellite imagery maps

Satellite Imagery: Ecosystem Services and Citizen Engagement

Valentin Rozman

Title: Tech-Driven Urban Forestry​Body

Title: Tech-Driven Urban ForestryBody