Remote sensing-based evapotranspiration modeling for urban green spaces: A case study in Vienna

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) play a critical role in enhancing urban livability, moderating microclimates, and supporting ecological balance. This study models actual evapotranspiration (ETa) in Vienna's UGS using high-resolution climate data and Sentinel-2 imagery. The primary objective is to adapt crop coefficients (Kc) for urban environments and provide a comprehensive understanding of UGS water dynamics, essential for sustainable urban planning and water management. By integrating satellite imagery with detailed climate data, this research adapts Kc values and measures ETa, incorporating the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) to account for water availability. The study reveals significant variations in ETa rates influenced by vegetation type and seasonal changes, demonstrating the importance of considering water availability in ETa modeling. This research offers a robust framework for assessing and managing water dynamics in UGS, combining meteorological data with remote sensing methodology. The developed approach is straightforward and adaptable, allowing for replication in other cities and facilitating retrospective analyses. This insight is valuable for evaluating the impact of urban planning measures on water dynamics and highlights the potential of remote sensing technologies in delivering reliable ETa estimates crucial for the ecological resilience of urban vegetation.