Annually Urban Fractional Vegetation Cover Dynamic Mapping in Hefei, China (1999–2018)

Vegetation measures are crucial for assessing changes in the ecological environment. Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) provides information on growth status, distribution characteristics, and structural of vegetation. An in-depth understanding dynamic urban FVC contributes to sustainable development civilization urbanization process. However, change detection using multi-temporal remote sensing images is a complex process challenge. This paper proposed an improved estimation model by fusing optimized range index (ODRVI) model. The ODRVI sensitivity water content, roughness degree, soil type minimizing influence bare areas sparse cover. enhanced stability near-infrared (NIR) band dense through introducing canopy vertical porosity (VCVP) verification results confirmed that had better performance than typical (VI) models Landsat images. coefficient determination (R2) between was 0.9572, which 7.4% higher average R2 other VI models. Moreover, annual dynamics were mapped Hefei, China (1999–2018). total area all grades decreased 33.08% during past 20 years China. extremely low, medium exhibited apparent inter-annual fluctuations. maximum standard deviation grade 13.35%. For FVC, order ratio low > medium-high high FVC. mapping revealed intensity direction sprawl coverage, strategic management plans.