Assessment of Vegetation Cover Dynamics and Its Relationship with Urbanization in Hanoi from 2000 to 2023 Using Multi-temporal Remote Sensing Data

This study investigates changes in vegetation cover and their relationship with urbanization in Hanoi from 2000 to 2023. Landsat optical imagery was used to derive Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) indices, while statistical analyses (trend, correlation, and regression) assessed spatiotemporal dynamics. Results reveal significant vegetation loss in peri-urban districts such as Nam Tu Liem (–690 ha), Hoai Duc (–650 ha), Ung Hoa (–629 ha), and Ha Dong (–588 ha), whereas increases were observed in Ba Vi (+807 ha), Gia Lam (+664 ha), and Son Tay (+230 ha). Inner-city districts (e.g., Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh) experienced slight greening. NDVI–NDBI correlations show that over 56% of the city’s area exhibits a strong negative relationship (r < –0.5), underscoring the close link between urban expansion and vegetation decline. These findings highlight areas most affected by urbanization and provide a scientific basis for urban planning, sustainable development, and environmental protection in Hanoi.