Analysis of coastal vegetation density changes of Langkat Regency, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Coastal is a dynamic area which is changing rapidly in response to natural processes and human activities. The significant increase in population and development activities around the coast of Langkat Regency have caused changes in land cover and vegetation density. This research was done by overlaying spatial data occurred from 2006 to 2016 to obtain land cover change data, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values, and to find out vegetation density in the coastal area of Langkat Regency. The research found that the highest area in the coastal of Langkat in year 2006 was under very dense class with 37.38%. In 2016, the highest area covering coastal of Langkat was Dense class with 38.21%. The decrease area found from very dense class to dense class for 34.06%. This research is expected to provide information as a consideration in the effort of coastal management of Langkat Regency.