Date of Publication

4-2-2025

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Applied Physics

Subject Categories

Physics

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Physics

Defense Panel Member

Johnrob Bantang

Abstract/Summary

The presence of a robust power-law in various complex systems, especially in nature and society, is a strong indication of Self-Organized Criticality (SOC). This type of distribution is found to be exhibited despite not having any set of fine-tuned parameters. This work will describe natural elements within the urbanized cities particularly, the spread of the tree-covered areas. Urban tree cover is an interesting system as it is affected by both anthropogenic and environmental factors. Tree-covered areas naturally grow and thrive, but it is also affected by human actions, for better (for example, through urban greening initiatives) or for worse (i.e. deforestation). These interventions can only result to either the loss or the persistence of SOC mechanisms. To determine this, the urban-tree cover of 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila will be the focus of the study together with four other Southeast Asian Cities: Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hanoi. For data gathering, the image processing tools will be utilized through HSV filtering. For statistical analysis, the use of powerlaw function through Maximum Likelihood Estimation will be performed. From these, the study will seek whether the spatial distribution of tree-covered areas in these cities exhibit self-organization.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Urban forestry--Southeast Asia; Urban forestry--Philippines--Metro Manila; Image processing

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Embargo Period

4-23-2025

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