Tree inventory and ecosystem service assessment using web-based geographic information system (GIS) tools: Case study in Edirne

Authors : Eylül Malkoç

Pages : 540-545

Doi:10.18182/tjf.1543353

View : 40 | Download : 78

Publication Date : 2024-12-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In addition to covering essential human needs, such as food, fuel, and timber, trees have been providing numerous health, aesthetic, and recreational benefits throughout history. Trees in urban areas provide significant ecosystem services, particularly in relation to air quality regulation via particulate matter (PM) entrapment and greenhouse gas absorption. This study was aimed to elucidate the regulatory ecosystem service capacity of trees in the Selimiye Campus of Trakya University, Edirne, Türkiye. We compiled a tree inventory and a method for assessing regulatory ecosystem services using web-based geographic information system (GIS) tools, namely Google Earth, Google My Maps, and MyTree. The results showed that the Selimiye Campus has 197 trees of 22 species. These trees remove 330 kg of pollutants and sequester 5851.09 kg of carbon annually. Despite its limited tree capacity, the Selimiye Campus holds significant potential for regulatory ecosystem services. Overall, this study emphasises the importance of compiling tree inventories using web-based tools to guide landscape planning and decision-making processes. It also highlights that campuses are essential components of urban green spaces, contributing to green area development and providing regulatory ecosystem services.
Keywords : Ağaç envanteri, Ekosistem hizmetleri, Google My Maps, Google Earth, MyTree