Detection of urban effect on vegetation in a less built-up Hungarian city by hyperspectral remote sensing

Airborne hyperspectral imaging data has been operationally used in geosciences, environmental and agricultural sciences worldwide, and it is increasingly involved in urban-related studies. Up to now, it was the first attempt in Hungary (Gyongyos) applying this technology for object (natural and artificial) identification in urban and suburban areas. It is important for us to focus our study on the spectral feature of different artificial materials and vegetation. The differentiation between different kinds of vegetation is much more efficient in the short wave infrared bands. Thus, this region is the best wavelength to discriminate different vegetation with vegetation indices. Artificial surfaces influence highly the urban climate particularly in summer (vegetation period). That effect can play important role in forming urban heat islands that determine the growing of vegetation as well. The application of this technique to urban ecology (human ecology) and urban land cover mapping remains underdeveloped in Hungary until recently. In order to understand better this feature it was investigated vegetation in the centre of the city, but focusing on a less build-up area. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.