Green Technologies and Sustainability (Apr 2025)
Assessing the potential of green roofs in urban areas: A multicriteria Boolean analysis utilizing GIS and remote sensing data in the city of Nador, Morocco
Abstract
In the comprehensive scope of this study in Nador, the adopted methodology is meticulously designed to assess the feasibility of introducing green roofs into the urban context with a holistic approach. The first phase is an assessment of ground vegetation cover by upervised classification of the city using satellite images. Concurrently, 3D modeling of structures is undertaken using LIDAR point cloud classification, combining the extraction of building footprints using photogrammetric restitution. This approach provides a precise three-dimensional depiction of the urban topography. The evaluation of the feasibility of each roof for the introduction of vegetation is based on a complicated Boolean multicriteria analysis. This technique includes essential elements such as minimum roof size, slope, and duration of sunshine, utilizing the linear model of Angstrom Prescott as a reference. These challenging criteria lead to a rigorous assessment of the effective area of each roof, therefore finding suitable roofs for the smooth integration of green roofs into the urban environment. The investigation showed a broad distribution of roofs in Nador in terms of potential for green roofs. The medium category, containing 18521 buildings with available space between 30% and 60%, demonstrates considerable potential, while the high level of quality is attributable to 2695 structures with over 60% available space, presenting substantial possibilities for greening. The combination of these groups constitutes 64% of the total roof area, showing a considerable percentage favorable to greening. Economically, the research comprises an in-depth examination of expenses connected with green roof installation, varied greatly depending on the style of roof (extensive or intense), ranging from $28.95 to $96 million. Concurrently, an evaluation of the economic advantages of urban agriculture on rooftops is done, with possible revenues estimated at $8.11 to $12.16 million depending on the variety of crops. Despite large initial expenses, this research demonstrates that investments in green roofs may offer long-term economic and environmental advantages, considerably contributing to ecological urban design. The collected findings are applied to construct a green cadastre, giving a strong platform for GIS mapping of ideal roofs, so permitting a planned and harmonic integration of green roofs into the urban fabric of Nador.
