NDVI-Based Assessment of Urban Green Space in Shah Alam and Kota Bharu, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56532/mjsat.v6iS1.805Keywords:
Green Space Density, Environmental Sustainability, NDVI, urbanAbstract
Urban green space density serves as a vital indicator of environmental sustainability, public health, and urban resilience. It reflects the extent and quality of vegetated areas within the urban fabric, which play a fundamental role in enhancing ecological balance, mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and supporting psychological well-being. However, rapid urbanization has led to a reduction and fragmentation of green spaces in many cities, resulting in unequal access and ecological imbalance. This study evaluates the spatial variation of urban green space density in Shah Alam and Kota Bharu, Malaysia, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from satellite remote sensing data. Addressing the limited availability of comparative spatial assessments between Malaysian cities with contrasting urban forms and development patterns, the study employs GIS-based spatial analysis to quantify and compare vegetation distribution across the two urban environments. NDVI analysis shows distinct spatial patterns of urban vegetation in Shah Alam and Kota Bharu. Shah Alam has low to moderate NDVI values from -0.307 (minimum) to 0.60 (maximum) with a range of 0.91, indicating stressed and fragmented vegetation due to intensive urban development. Meanwhile, Kota Bharu reveals moderate to high NDVI values, from -0.31(minimum) to 0.62 (maximum), with a range of 0.93, reflecting healthier and more continuous vegetation cover. This analysis is further supported by additional data on population density, land use characteristics, and built-up area intensity to provide a multidimensional understanding of green space distribution. The paper addresses an important issue concerning urbanization: green space degradation in Malaysia. The comparative analysis between Shah Alam and Kota Bharu using NDVI provides useful spatial understanding for urban and environmental planning.
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