An analysis of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and its relationship with the population distribution of Faisalabad- Pakistan

The monitoring of global vegetation with the help of SRS (satellite remote sensing) data is convenient to improve upon our knowledge concerning spatial distribution and characteristics of vegetation. The continuous surge of anthropogenic activities on the face of the earth and resultant change in land use of an urban center has increased concern of researchers to undertake studies to investigate and establish a relationship between population distribution &density and vegetation. The main focus of most remote sensing digital data is to illustrate the type, size and condition of vegetation in any region. The present study is aimed to find the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and to relate it to population density in Faisalabad Saddar. Since in urban ecology, assessment of the Spatio-temporal state of any vegetation is significant field of study as it is a potent parameter of all the global surfaces. Therefore, in the present study the temporal analysis of vegetation cover has been carried out through NDVI using two Landsat images (1998 and 2010) and a time span for the last 12 years. The NDVI change and population density at town level has also been correlated. The research reveals the applicability of Landsat digital and demographic data for the evaluation and analysis of NDVI change over time. By visualizing the temporal land cover it is clear that the greenness has been reduced since 1998 due to change in population distribution and density. The study highlighted the NDVI for better results regarding accuracy to assess the vegetation cover.