Determination of the ecological integrity of Urban open green areas by connection analysis: An example of Usak City, Turkey

Abstract

In recent years, rapid population growth and urbanization that have grown in parallel with industrialization have caused cities to develop on natural areas. This development has brought about changes in natural areas and ecological cycle. In this study, the effects of the development of Usak urban area on natural and urban open green spaces in the fifty years between 1954-2004 were investigated. The data were obtained from aerial photographs of Usak urban area in 1954,1971, 1994 and Ikonos satellite image of 2004. Obtaining numerical data and creating visual maps used in the study method were performed with Arc Map 9.2 geographic information system software. The gamma index was used to measure the quantitative changes of the landscape structure and connection status of the open green spaces in the urban area of Usak. In addition, the structures of open green spaces (urban open green space usage types) were analyzed and mapped. Structural evaluation within the context of connection analysis was effective to see the size and distribution and changes of open green spaces in the city. As a result of the study, it is seen that the open green areas were fragmented, shrunk and disappeared in time between 1954-2004. The maximum decrease in the connection status of urban open green spaces was observed between 1954-1971. The most significant open area loss occurred between 1971-1994. The structural quality of the open green areas, which constitute the realization of ecological cycles, lost value between 1994-2004. At the same time, the Dokuzsele River bed which provides an important connection as an ecological corridor in urban development has undergone significant changes between 1954-2004. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.