Article
Environmental Sciences
Zacharia Florence Mtewele, Gensuo Jia, Xiyan Xu
Summary: This study quantifies the water availability and vegetation changes during extreme climate events in the Serengeti-Masai Mara Ecosystem (SMME) and analyzes the impact of these changes on animal populations and migration prospects. The study reveals that extreme events such as droughts and floods pose threats to the ecosystem and affect animal migration behavior.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Josept David Revuelta-Acosta, Edna Suhail Guerrero-Luis, Jose Eduardo Terrazas-Rodriguez, Cristian Gomez-Rodriguez, Gerardo Alcala Perea
Summary: This study provides the most recent analysis of land use and land cover change in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico over the past six years. The study utilized remote sensing technology and ground-based surveys to analyze the changes. The findings indicate a slowdown in growth for residential, industry, and commercial areas, as well as significant degradation of swamps. Dunes and areas with high vegetation density transitioned to low vegetation density areas.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leanard Otwori Juma, Aniko Khademi-Vidra
Summary: This study aimed to determine which nature interpretation and visitor information approaches can effectively manage visitors in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. The results showed different correlations between the various nature interpretation attributes and the demographics of the visitors, with some weak negative relationships.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Eleanor R. Stern, Murray M. Humphries
Summary: The inclusion of local, expert, or Indigenous knowledge in wildlife research can provide valuable insights and support for wildlife conservation decisions. However, integrating experiential wildlife knowledge with systematic observations presents challenges due to the differences in data type and functionality. This systematic review examines studies that incorporate experiential wildlife knowledge into quantitative analyses of terrestrial vertebrate populations and their habitats, highlighting key challenges and solutions.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Oscar H. Hiscock, Yannick Back, Manfred Kleidorfer, Christian Urich
Summary: Amidst climate stress, urbanisation, and population growth, design and planning tools to support decentralised and environmental infrastructural planning are increasingly common, with accurate spatial databases of land cover types being crucial for complex urban water infrastructure systems. A methodology for categorising land covers using high spatial accuracy GIS imagery and generating data based on NDVI and nDSM capabilities has been proposed, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 89.3% in a case study application in Innsbruck, Austria. Despite limitations in differentiating certain categories, the methodology demonstrates potential for improving urban water management analysis through various software applications.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
John J. Lagrosa, Wayne C. Zipperer, Michael G. Andreu
Summary: This study creates a novel LULC classification scheme by incorporating ecological data to redefine classes based on variation in above-ground tree carbon. Significant differences were found within the Wetlands and urban land use classes, emphasizing the importance of classification systems reflecting landscape variation in parameters of interest.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard Baidoo, Kwame Obeng
Summary: This study investigated land use and land cover changes and its impact on forest ecosystem service values for 20 years. The expansion of built-up and bare-grounds was found to be the most notable factor influencing forest ecosystem service value changes. It is important to take measures to curb the drivers of land use and cover changes to prevent further forest degradation and ensure optimal delivery of forest ecosystem service values.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Ziaul Hoque, Minhaz Ahmed, Imranul Islam, Shenghui Cui, Lilai Xu, Foyez Ahmed Prodhan, Sharif Ahmed, Md. Atikur Rahman, Jahid Hasan
Summary: Assessing the changes in land use and land cover patterns and their impact on ecosystem service values is crucial for sustainable land management. Using remote sensing and GIS techniques, this study analyzed the coastal region of Bangladesh and found significant changes in LULC and a decrease in overall ESV. Spatial correlation and clustering were observed in areas like mangrove forests, waterbodies, and wetlands.
Article
Ecology
Baron H. H. Lin, Lesley P. P. Bulluck
Summary: This study used a novel LIDAR-derived land cover classification to investigate the influence of habitat composition and configuration on habitat selection of two declining songbird species. The results indicate that using a land cover classification method that accurately represents shrub/sapling cover leads to better habitat models for shrubland-dependent species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junru Yin, Xuan Liu, Hua Wang, Wei Huang, Enxiang Cai
Summary: This study analyzed the land use pattern change and ecosystem service value (ESV) change in Luoyang City, China, from 2010 to 2019 using GIS and remote sensing techniques. The findings show that the land use in Luoyang City has undergone complex changes, with forests and croplands changing the fastest. The ESV in Luoyang City exhibited a U-shaped trend, with an overall increase of 1.96%, and hydrological regulation, climate regulation, and soil and water conservation contributed the most to the ESV.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oliver C. Stringham, Stephanie Moncayo, Katherine G. W. Hill, Adam Toomes, Lewis Mitchell, Joshua Ross, Phillip Cassey
Summary: Automated monitoring of wildlife trade websites is increasingly important for conservation efforts. Text classifiers have shown promise in accurately identifying relevant advertisements, with a minimum sample size of 33% required for accurate predictions. Further integration of machine learning tools, such as image classification, may improve predictive abilities in streamlining data processing for online wildlife trade.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingfeng Liu, Felix Leung, Shing-Yip Lee
Summary: This study analyzed the changes in mangrove habitats, impervious surfaces, and other land cover types in Deep Bay in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA), China. The results showed an overall increase in mangrove habitats from 1924 to 2020, with the expansion primarily driven by mudflat areas. However, reclamation and urbanization activities have led to the conversion of water and mudflat areas into impervious surfaces and urban vegetation, affecting the connectivity and fragmentation of mangrove habitats.
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Bharathy, S. Wijeyamohan, K. Suthakar, S. N. Surendran
Summary: Human-wildlife conflict is a severe challenge to the survival of threatened species and the livelihood of communities worldwide. In Sri Lanka, population growth, land fragmentation, and conversion of natural habitats contribute to conflicts. This study identifies land use changes and assesses vulnerability in the Mullaitivu District, revealing a decline in forests and increased conflicts including crop damage, livestock depredation, and loss of life/injuries. Implementation of management measures can minimize such conflicts.
GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kyana N. Pike, Stephen Blake, Iain J. Gordon, Freddy Cabrera, Ainoa Nieto-Claudin, Sharon L. Deem, Anne Guezou, Lin Schwarzkopf
Summary: One of the most pressing dilemmas of our time is how to balance the demands of a growing human population with the need to conserve biodiversity. This study examines the relationship between land modification for human resource needs and declines in wildlife populations. The findings suggest that agriculture, as a major driver of land modification, could also play a role in conserving biodiversity by supporting critically endangered species that use farms. Understanding wildlife preferences in human-dominated areas is crucial for achieving this balance.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hannah E. E. S. Haga, Anne B. Nilsen, Heidrun A. Ullerud, Anders Bryn
Summary: This study tested a new method to independently assess the accuracy of classification and polygon delineation in land cover maps. The results showed that the accuracy of polygon delineation is lower than that of land cover classification, suggesting the need to strengthen training of field workers and emphasize polygon delineation.
APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ahmed Derdouri, Ruci Wang, Yuji Murayama, Toshihiro Osaragi
Summary: Urban heat island (UHI) is a serious phenomenon associated with built environments that poses threats to human health. The intensity of UHI is projected to reach record levels in the coming decades due to rapid urban expansion.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yuki Iwai, Yuji Murayama
Summary: The history of modern maps in Japan began with Inoh's comprehensive survey of the country 200 years ago, which led to the creation of the first scientific map in Japan using a systematic method. However, due to limited surveying technology, 25% of the coastlines in Japan were estimated by Inoh instead of being actually surveyed.
ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Chamara J. Hettiarachchi, Prabath Priyankara, Takehiro Morimoto, Yuji Murayama
Summary: This study examines the spatial knowledge of the local community and proposes the use of participatory resource mapping (PRM) to demarcate land boundaries in the eastern boundary of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka. The lack of proper demarcation of villages in the community has been identified as a significant issue in implementing community development plans. Through interviews and discussions with community members, as well as the use of GIS tools, the study was able to accurately identify villages and generate digital maps. The study demonstrates the remarkable potential of participatory GIS in land use planning applications and its ability to enhance community education, empowerment, and innovation.
ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Geography
Hossein Shafizadeh-Moghadam, Roozbeh Valavi, Ali Asghari, Masoud Minaei, Yuji Murayama
Summary: The study evaluates the spatiotemporal generalization of statistical and machine learning models for built-up land expansion simulation, with the random forest model performing the best. While the support vector machine model initially had the lowest accuracy, it improved during the validation period. Over the long term, all models experienced a noticeable drop in accuracy in simulating built-up land expansion.
TRANSACTIONS IN GIS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yanfei Wu, Hao Hou, Ruci Wang, Yuji Murayama, Luoyang Wang, Tangao Hu
Summary: This study examines the dynamics of surface urban heat islands (SUHI) in Hangzhou using long-time series satellite images, and identifies the relationships between urban expansion, landscape patterns, and land surface temperature (LST). The findings provide valuable insights for landscape configuration adjustment and future urban planning in the context of sustainable development.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Md. Omar Sarif, Manjula Ranagalage, Rajan Dev Gupta, Yuji Murayama
Summary: This research investigates the thermal state and its impact on the environment in Bengaluru city, India. The study reveals the increasing intensity of the surface urban cool island (SUCI) due to the expansion of impervious land. It also highlights the significant alteration in the city landscape caused by impervious development. These findings are crucial for urban planning and environmental improvement.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ronald C. Estoque, Rajarshi Dasgupta, Karina Winkler, Valerio Avitabile, Brian A. Johnson, Soe W. Myint, Yan Gao, Makoto Ooba, Yuji Murayama, Rodel D. Lasco
Summary: Forest ecosystems are crucial in addressing sustainability and social-ecological challenges, but global forest loss remains a significant issue. Based on data, the global forest area has declined by 81.7 million ha over the past 60 years, with forest loss outweighing forest gain. Forest decline has primarily occurred in lower income countries in the tropics, while forest gain has been observed in higher income extratropical countries. Economic growth is more strongly associated with net forest gain than with net forest loss. It is important to provide support to lower income countries, especially in the tropics, to help minimize forest losses and reduce dependence on imported tropical forest products.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chuhui Shen, Hao Hou, Yaoyao Zheng, Yuji Murayama, Ruci Wang, Tangao Hu
Summary: During rapid urbanization, the global land use and cover change drastically, causing serious issues in the urban environment. Among them, the urban heat island effect has attracted attention due to its impact on climate change and its negative influence on urban livability and sustainable development. This study predicts the future surface urban heat island intensity and distribution, based on a random forest model and future landscape patterns. The findings are expected to aid policymakers and urban planners in designing effective measures for achieving sustainable urban development.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siri Karunaratne, Darshana Athukorala, Yuji Murayama, Takehiro Morimoto
Summary: Rapid urban growth has led to substantial environmental changes, including the surface urban heat island (UHI) effect. This study evaluated the UHI effect in Kathmandu, Nepal, and explored its relationship with land use and land surface temperature. The findings provide valuable information for sustainable urban planning and landscape design in mountain valley cities.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sijia Han, Hao Hou, Ronald C. Estoque, Yaoyao Zheng, Chuhui Shen, Yuji Murayama, Jing Pan, Ben Wang, Tangao Hu
Summary: Architecture has a significant impact on urban thermal environment regulation due to its influence on the design of urban landscapes. Studies on the correlation between multi-dimensional building morphology and land surface temperature (LST) have been conducted, but conclusive results have not been achieved due to variations in climatic, social, and economic conditions between cities. In this study, the random forest (RF) regression model was used to analyze the seasonal differences in the influences of nine multi-dimensional building indicators on LST.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md. Omar Sarif, Rajan Dev Gupta, Yuji Murayama
Summary: The aim of this study is to examine SUHI formation and hotspot identification in Prayagraj city, India using seasonal Landsat imageries from 1987 to 2018. By analyzing correlation coefficients and directional profiling, the interrelationship between six land indices and LST was investigated. The results showed that forested areas had lower LST than the rest of the city, while built-up areas had higher LST. SUHI was intensified in the city center during summer and winter, and there was a loss of areal coverage of colder classes. MODIS night-time LST data confirmed strong SUHI formation at night. This study is important for mitigating thermal anomalies and restoring environmental viability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Liu, Yuji Murayama, Yoshifumi Masago
Summary: The habitat structure and quality in urban agglomerations are under threat from human activities and require comprehensive solutions. Various approaches were used to analyze the relationship between habitat quality and environmental issues. The study found similarities and differences in the three largest Chinese urban agglomerations and highlighted the importance of maintaining habitat safety.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Mahesh Edirisinghe, Niranga Alahacoon, Manjula Ranagalage, Yuji Murayama
Summary: This study analyzes long-term rainfall variability and trends in the summer monsoon region of Southeast Asia. The findings show increasing trends in rainfall across all countries and river basins, with Vietnam and Lao PDR exhibiting the highest annual rainfall trends. The results contribute to climate change monitoring and can inform decision-making in sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.
ADVANCES IN METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geography
Shyamantha Subasinghe, Ruci Wang, Matamyo Simwanda, Yuji Murayama, Lidia Lazarova Vitanova
Summary: This study examines the neighborhood dynamics of urban expansion in the Colombo Metropolitan Area (CMA) of Sri Lanka from 1992 to 2014 using morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and geospatial techniques. The results reveal rapid urban expansion in the CMA, with leapfrog being the dominant expansion pattern.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruci Wang, Hao Hou, Yuji Murayama, Takehiro Morimoto
Summary: The urban heat island (UHI) phenomena have negative impacts on energy usage, the environment, and human health. This study investigates the influence of land use/cover, building height, and function on land surface temperatures (LSTs) in Tsukuba, Japan, and found that managing the distribution of buildings, population density, and energy consumption can significantly reduce UHIs and promote sustainable development.
