LiDAR based urban vegetation mapping as a basis of green infrastructure planning

Abstract

Planning green infrastructure in the cities is a challenging task for planners and city managers. Developing multifunctional green space systems provide many benefits including: increasing water retention, mitigating urban heat island effect, microclimate regulation, reducing air, water and noise pollution and conservation biodiversity. The greenery in the city also have an impact on human health. The paper presents the possibilities of using LiDAR data mapping vegetation density in urban areas on the example of Gorzów Wielkopolski (Poland). Maps made as a result of processing the point clouds obtained from airborne laser scanning represents the most accurate, comprehensive and detailed assessment of Gorzów Wielkopolski vegetation cover to date and establishes the baseline for greenery governance and planning of green infrastructure in the city.