Temporal analysis of forest cover change using random forest classification (1995-2020)

Abstract

In Europe, more than 39 percent of the land is covered by forests; also, in Hungary, 21 percent of the land is covered by forests, with significant variations in their distribution ( European Environment Agency, 2018). The city of Debrecen, which is in the eastern part of Hungary, has experienced urban development and land transformation during the past decades. As one of the largest cities in Hungary, Debrecen’s forest is facing pressure from urbanization, agricultural activity, and the expansion of infrastructure. Understanding the forest cover dynamics in this region is essential for urban planning and forest management. In this study, we will analyze how much forest cover has changed.