The study addresses the environmental impacts of rapid urbanisation in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, over the period 1985-2025, focusing on changes in land cover and urban microclimate. The city has undergone substantial expansion of built-up areas, resulting in ecological degradation, including reduced vegetation cover and increased surface temperatures. To assess these changes, a set of spectral indices (NDVI, NDBI, and BUI) was calculated using multi-temporal Landsat imagery processed on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, as well as Land Surface Temperature (LST). The analysis was based on cloud-masked summer scenes from Landsat 5 and Landsat 8, ensuring consistency in temporal comparison. Results show an evident decline in NDVI and a corresponding increase in NDBI and BUI values, indicating accelerated urban expansion at the expense of vegetated areas. Furthermore, a significant rise in LST confirms the intensification of the urban heat island effect, particularly in zones with high impervious surface density. The integrated assessment of thermal and land cover indicators demonstrates a strong correlation between urban growth and microclimatic alterations. The geospatial outputs produced in this study can inform city authorities, environmental agencies, and planners by supporting spatial decision-making, optimisation of green infrastructure, and climate adaptation strategies.
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