Application GIS and remote sensing in building a map of ecosystem services: A case study in the Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract This study demonstrates the application of GIS, combined with remote sensing data, to assess the economic value of ecosystem services (ESV) in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. The study area encompasses various ecosystems, including urban areas, grass, rivers/lakes, wetlands, cropland, and green spaces. The assessment involved analysing land cover changes from 1975 to the present using Landsat satellite imagery. The results revealed significant shifts in land cover, with urban areas expanding while vegetation cover and bare land decreased. The total ESV of Thu Duc City in 2024 was estimated to be over 388,000 thousand USD, with fish pond (wetlands) contributing the highest value around 187,000 thousand USD. This study underscores the importance of integrating GIS and remote sensing in ecosystem service valuation and provides valuable insights for urban planning and sustainable development in Thu Duc City.