scholarly journals To Act or Not to Act: Are Natural Landscapes a Key Force in the Resilience of Historic Urban Landscapes?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 10356
Author(s):  
Wei Gao ◽  
Gengyu Chen ◽  
Fanying Jiang ◽  
Jiake Shen ◽  
Yuncai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Differential Analysis ◽  
Historical Sources ◽  
Natural Landscape ◽  
Natural Landscapes ◽  
Man And Nature

Ignoring the function of natural landscapes in the rapid development of urbanization, and especially in the conservation of historic urban landscapes, is still obvious today, and this has caused a large decrease in natural space, loss of habitats, and an increase in disasters. The resilience of a whole city and parts of it, such as historic urban areas where the historical process of man and nature have been recorded, as well as the interaction between nature, economy, and culture, is not strong enough to maintain the stability of urban ecosystems. It is misleading to think that the resilience can be built in a historic urban area without a natural landscape. We question whether this is true. Using a semantic differential analysis method from a historical perspective, this paper aims to answer this question through research on the correlation between resilience and man and nature through a case study of Yudai Trench historic urban landscape in Guangzhou, a historic urban area with 1000 years of history. A total of 212 pieces of evidence were extracted from 59 historical sources. The results showed that the cultural and economic conditions were in the same step and cycles as nature, which were influenced strongly by climate change, and that the natural landscape has a correlation on and is a dominant force in the resilience of historic urban landscapes.

scholarly journals URBAN GROWTH AND WATER QUALITY IN THIMPHU, BHUTAN

2013 ◽  
pp. 82-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandu Giri ◽  
O. P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Water Quality Data

Detailed study was undertaken in 2008 and 2009 on assessment of water quality of River Wang Chhu which flows through Thimphu urban area, the capital city of Bhutan. The water samples were examined at upstream of urban area, within the urban area and its downstream. The water samples were analyzed by studying the physico-chemical, biological and benthic macro-invertebrates. The water quality data obtained during present study are discussed in relation to land use/land cover changes(LULC) and various ongoing human activities at upstream, within the each activity areas and it’s downstream. Analyses of satellite imagery of 1990 and 2008 using GIS revealed that over a period of eighteen years the forest, scrub and agricultural areas have decreased whereas urban area and road network have increased considerably. The forest cover, agriculture area and scrub decreased from 43.3% to 42.57%, 6.88% to 5.33% and 42.55% to 29.42%, respectively. The LULC changes effect water quality in many ways. The water temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, total coliform, and biological oxygen demand were lower at upstream and higher in urban area. On the other hand dissolved oxygen was found higher at upstream and lower in urban area. The pollution sensitive benthic macro-invertebrates population were dominant at upstream sampling sites whereas pollution tolerant benthic macro-invertebrates were found abundant in urban area and its immediate downstream. The rapid development of urban infrastructure in Thimphu city may be posing serious threats to water regime in terms of its quality. Though the deterioration of water quality is restricted to a few localized areas, the trend is serious and needs proper attention of policy planners and decision makers. Proper treatment of effluents from urban areas is urgently needed to reduce water pollution in such affected areas to check further deterioration of water quality. This present study which is based on upstream, within urban area and downstream of Thimphu city can be considered as an eye opener.

scholarly journals Discovering Urban Functional Polycentricity: A Traffic Flow-Embedded and Topic Modeling-Based Methodology Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1897
Author(s):  
Shaodong Wang ◽  
Yanbin Liu ◽  
Wei Zhi ◽  
Xihua Wen ◽  
Weihua Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Traffic Flow ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Topic Modeling ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Trajectory Data ◽  
Function Distribution

With the rapid development of communication and transportation technologies, the urban area is increasingly becoming an ever more dynamic, comprehensive, and complex system. Meanwhile, functional polycentricity as a distinctive feature has been characterizing urban areas around the world. However, the spatial structure of the urban area has yet to be fully comprehended from a dynamic perspective, and understanding the spatial organization of polycentric urban regions (PUR) is crucial for issues related to urban planning, traffic control, and urban risk management. The analysis of polycentricity strongly depends on the spatial scale. In order to identify functional polycentricity at the intra-unban scale, this paper presents a traffic flow-embedded and topic modeling-based methodology framework. This framework was evaluated on real-world datasets from the Wujiang district, Suzhou, China, which contains 151,419 records of taxi trajectory data and 86,036 records of points of interest (POI) data. This paper provides a novel approach to examining urban functional polycentricity via combining urban function distribution and spatial interactions. This proposed methodology can help urban authorities better understand urban dynamics in terms of function distribution and internal connectedness and facilitate urban development in terms of urban planning and traffic control.

scholarly journals Historical and cultural heritage of the Tyumen Territory and the possibility of its use

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43
Author(s):  
O. Anoshko
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Transport Network ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Tourist Industry ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Natural Landscape ◽  
Archaeological Heritage ◽  
Natural Landscapes ◽  
The Rich

The  article  presents  brightness  and  identity  of  ancient  and  medieval monuments  of  the  Tyumen  region  and  demonstrates  the  possibilities  of  their  use  in  the  development  of  the  tourist  industry  of  this  region,  which  was  distinguished  by  extensive  lowland  territories  and  a  convenient  transport  network.  The  high  concentration  of  archaeological  sites  on  certain  sites  surrounded  by  unique  natural  landscapes  allows  us  to  talk about  the  creation  of  natural  landscape  archaeological  complexes  as  synthesis  of  nature, archeology  and  architecture.  Particular  attention  is  paid  to  the  rich  archaeological  heritage  of  Tobolsk,  the  first  Russian  capital  of  Siberia,  the  need  to  organize  museum  and  tourist complexes in historically significant urban areas, free from any constructions.

scholarly journals Nesting of the little bittern Ixobrychus minutus (Aves: Ardeidae) in an urban area of the Crimean coast of the Black Sea

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
V. E. Giragosov
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Black Sea ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Natural Landscape ◽  
Crimean Peninsula ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Ixobrychus Minutus

Observations of the ecological and behavioral adaptations of hydrophilic birds in urban areas are essential for preservation of the biodiversity under extreme anthropogenic transformations of the inland and coastal waters on the Crimean peninsula. In the Crimea a little bittern Ixobrychus minutus (Linnaeus, 1766) nest usually on the fresh and brackish water bodies. For the first time this species was found nesting in Kruglaya bay, the overused recreation area in Sevastopol (Black Sea). Our investigation detected factors determining the breeding efficiency, food spectrum, behavioral responses and the duration of stay of the little bittern in the biotope exposed to high anthropogenic load. Visual observations, photography and video recording were conducted five times a week within Kruglaya bay. Two adult I. minutus were observed from July 3 to August 2, and three immature birds – from July 24 to September 7, 2016 in the bay head. The presence of natural shelter (reed beds) and good feeding base contributed to successful breeding of the birds. The main prey were the juveniles of grey mullet, other preys were peacock blenny Salaria pavo, ocellated wrasse Symphodus ocellatus and invertebrates. The little bitterns showed atypical for this species synanthropic behavior: having gradually adapted to the people neighborhood, they allowed the observer’s presence at 4–6 m distance. In August the young birds began demonstrating territorial behavior and in September they flied beyond the bay area. The study has disclosed high adaptive potential of I. minutus to disturbing factors in atypical to this species habitats in the coastal urban area of the Black Sea. The possibility of little bitterns settling in the fragmentary natural landscape (return urbanization) of urban areas on the Crimean coast of the Black Sea is discussed. Presumably, I. minutus can nest in the semi-aquatic growth bordering some Crimean bays including Kruglaya, Streletskaya, Kazach'ya and Sevastopol bays. The fragments of natural landscape allow preserving the biodiversity; for their protection any building activity ruinous to semi-aquatic vegetation in the coastal zone should be banned.

scholarly journals MANAGING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF KUMASI, GHANA: A CASE OF ABUAKWA

2013 ◽  
pp. 96-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Amoateng ◽  
Patrick Brandful Cobbinah ◽  
Kwasi Owusu-Adade
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Growth Management ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Urban Morphology ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Study Approach

A remarkable trait of the 21st century has been the high rate of urbanization which has characterized the growth and development of cities especially in developing countries. This situation has fuelled the rapid and unguided development and expansion of peri-urban areas as urban dwellers relocate to cities’ peripheries. Focusing on Abuakwa a peri-urban area in Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana, this paper assesses the nature and extent of physical development in peri-urban areas, and identifies the factors contributing to the rapid development of peri-urban areas. The paper further examines the effects of the increasing physical growth on the development of peri-urban Abuakwa. Using a case study approach, both primary and secondary sources of data were collected from decentralized government institutions of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and Atwima Nwabiagya District Assembly (ANDA), as well as the indigenous residents and relocated urban dwellers in Abuakwa. The paper reveals that the outward drift has manifested itself in an increased scramble for land for residential and commercial purposes in the peri-urban area. The resultant effect has been the fast and spontaneous physical development in the urban periphery which has significantly altered the peri-urban morphology. The paper recommends the establishment of Customary Land Secretariat (CLS) and the application of settlement growth management approaches to ensure the creation of functional city and liveable peri-urban areas.

Urban Historical Landscape Construction Methods and Designs: The Case of the Old Town of Jingdezhen

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Cui Dong
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cultural Landscape ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Spatial Form ◽  
Historical Landscape ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Urban City ◽  
Historical Heritage

With the rapid development of modern economy and the process of urbanization is faster, a large number of historical relics have been mercilessly destroyed in the urban reconstruction. In order to balance the contradiction between urban development and historical heritage and promote the harmonious development of new and old urban areas, it is necessary to research on the old urban areas from the perspective of historical landscape. Old urban area of Jingdezhen is taken as an example in this paper, the present situation of the reconstruction of the old city in Jingdezhen is analyzed. Then, by using the methodology of urban historical landscape, some specific methods for updating and designing the old urban area reconstruction of Jingdezhen is put forward, such as the elements of spatial form, urban texture, historical and cultural landscape elements, streets and alleys, the Changjiang River, public facilities and landscape sketches, and so on. A new design method of landscape transformation of old urban area is established. As the renewal method of respecting the urban history and cultural heritage is a very intelligent urban renewal model, it is found that the application of urban historical landscape in the old urban city is reasonable and effective, which is based on the development of the old urban area and pursues the coexistence of protection and development.

scholarly journals Urban ecosystems assessment: An integrated approach to maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Lidiya Semerdzhieva ◽  
Bilyana Borisova
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Local Climate Zones

Natural habitats and their biodiversity are usually associated with protected areas, incompatible with direct anthropogenic influence. Is there a biodiversity in urban environment, what is the role of peri-urban areas to the provision of species richness and is their potential being properly utilized? These are current issues that deserve the attention of decision-makers because the human's need of natural environment in cities is expressed more intensely than in any previous period in history. Green and blue infrastructure elements, being part of the larger system of urban ecosystems, provide an essential and proven benefits to the city dwellers, like health improvement, opportunities for nature-based daily outdoor recreation, strengthening sense of place etc. The main objective of this research is to assess this part of the landscape elements in urban and peri-urban environment, which are most supportive to the maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity. Selected Functional urban area with center city of Burgas is choosen for a case study. The urban ecosystems are assessed in GIS environment with unified indicator (based on City Biodiversity Index approach) according to 5 criteria: hemeroby index, share of protected areas, fragmentation index, presence of water and species richness. The assessment is performed on two spatial levels: within Functional urban area by Urban Atlas spatial units and within urban core – by grid cells (local climate zones). The final higher scores identify areas that provide the greatest extent the maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity. The results could support the urban planning and help to optimize the link between the natural elements within the Functional urban areas, providing ecological, economic and social benefits to the regions through the enhancement of the urban ecosystem’s functions and their services.

The Status of Livelihood Vulnerability and Its CopingCapacities of Urban Squatters in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

Patan Pragya ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Chhabi Ram Baral
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Urban Poverty ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
The Status

Urban poverty is one of multidimensional issue in Nepal. Increasing immigration from the outer parts of Kathmandu due to rural poverty, unemployment and weak security of the lives and the properties are core causes pushing people into urban areas. In this context how squatter urban area people sustain their livelihoods is major concern. The objectives of the study are to find out livelihood assets and capacities squatters coping with their livelihood vulnerability in adverse situation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied for data collection. It is found that squatters social security is weak, victimized by severe health problems earning is not regular with lack of physical facilities and overall livelihood is critical. This study helps to understand what the changes that have occurred in livelihood patterns and how poor people survive in urban area.

scholarly journals The Wood Quality of Small-Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) Trees in an Urban Area: A Pilot Study

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 420
Author(s):  
Benas Šilinskas ◽  
Aistė Povilaitienė ◽  
Gintautas Urbaitis ◽  
Marius Aleinikovas ◽  
Iveta Varnagirytė-Kabašinskienė
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Wood Quality ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Tilia Cordata ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Wood Development

This study performed a pilot evaluation of the wood quality—defined by a single parameter: dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn, N mm−2)—of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) trees in urban areas. A search of the literature revealed few studies which examined the specifics of tree wood development in urban areas. Little is known about the potential of wood from urban trees wood of their suitability for the timber industry. In this study, an acoustic velocity measuring system was used for wood quality assessment of small-leaved lime trees. The MOEdyn parameter was evaluated for small-leaved lime trees growing in two urban locations (along the streets, and in an urban park), with an additional sample of forest sites taken as the control. MOEdyn was also assessed for small-leaved lime trees visually assigned to different health classes. The obtained mean values of MOEdyn of 90–120-year old small-leaved lime trees in urban areas ranged between 2492.2 and 2715.8 N mm−2. For younger trees, the values of MOEdyn were lower in the urban areas than in the forest site. Otherwise, the results of the study showed that the small-leaved lime wood samples were of relatively good quality, even if the tree was classified as moderately damaged (which could cause a potential risk to the community). Two alternatives for urban tree management can be envisaged: (1) old trees could be left to grow to maintain the sustainability of an urban area until their natural death, or (2) the wood from selected moderately damaged trees could be used to create wood products, ensuring long-term carbon retention.

scholarly journals Semantic segmentation of PolSAR image data using advanced deep learning model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajat Garg ◽  
Anil Kumar ◽  
Nikunj Bansal ◽  
Manish Prateek ◽  
Shashi Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Semantic Segmentation ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Deep Learning Model

AbstractUrban area mapping is an important application of remote sensing which aims at both estimation and change in land cover under the urban area. A major challenge being faced while analyzing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based remote sensing data is that there is a lot of similarity between highly vegetated urban areas and oriented urban targets with that of actual vegetation. This similarity between some urban areas and vegetation leads to misclassification of the urban area into forest cover. The present work is a precursor study for the dual-frequency L and S-band NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission and aims at minimizing the misclassification of such highly vegetated and oriented urban targets into vegetation class with the help of deep learning. In this study, three machine learning algorithms Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) have been implemented along with a deep learning model DeepLabv3+ for semantic segmentation of Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) data. It is a general perception that a large dataset is required for the successful implementation of any deep learning model but in the field of SAR based remote sensing, a major issue is the unavailability of a large benchmark labeled dataset for the implementation of deep learning algorithms from scratch. In current work, it has been shown that a pre-trained deep learning model DeepLabv3+ outperforms the machine learning algorithms for land use and land cover (LULC) classification task even with a small dataset using transfer learning. The highest pixel accuracy of 87.78% and overall pixel accuracy of 85.65% have been achieved with DeepLabv3+ and Random Forest performs best among the machine learning algorithms with overall pixel accuracy of 77.91% while SVM and KNN trail with an overall accuracy of 77.01% and 76.47% respectively. The highest precision of 0.9228 is recorded for the urban class for semantic segmentation task with DeepLabv3+ while machine learning algorithms SVM and RF gave comparable results with a precision of 0.8977 and 0.8958 respectively.

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