green spaces trends in the city of port elizabeth from 1990 to 2000 using remote sensing

given the critical role played by urban green spaces and the emergence of remote sensing as avaluable natural resource management tool, this study sought to identify trends in green spaces within thecontext of south africa’s transition period (1990 - 2000). using the city of port elizabeth as a case study, threesets of landsat - 5 thematic mapper images (1990, 1995 and 2000) were geo-processed, classified intovegetation density categories and verified using respective aerial photographs. there was a steady decline inareas covered by very sparse vegetation, sparse vegetation and dense vegetation classes. however, areascovered by very dense vegetation showed a steady increase during the study period. using remote sensingapplications, this study provides an insight into trends in green spaces in the city of port elizabeth during thetransition period. this study further shows the importance of remote sensing as a mapping tool that can beused to provide information for physical, social and ecological planning to achieve urban socio-ecologicalsustainability in rapidly changing urban environments.