Analysis of the changes in vegetation of the Sapanca Lake Basin (in Turkey) using multitemporal satellite data

Abstract

The Lake Sapanca Basin is located in an area where urbanization and industrialization is rapidly increasing because of its geographical location. The Sapanca Lake Basin was opened to settlement densely after 1980 due to recreational activities for urbanization and industrialization. The aim of this study is to investigate and evaluate the changes in natural vegetation and settlement caused by the effects of human activities in the Sapanca Lake Basin. For this purpose, Landsat 5 TM (1987) and Landsat 8 (2013) satellite images have been used. These images have been analyzed using ERDAS and ArcGIS software’s and this was supported and confirmed by the carried land studies. The results showed that there has been an % 12.8 decrease in the high density green vegetation areas. It is concluded that the natural vegetation of Sapanca Lake Basin damaged rapidly in the period between the years of 1987-2013.