Currently, there are many approaches to the recognition of urbanized areas, mainly based on the methods supervised and unsupervised spectral image classifications. D. Statakis, K. Perakis, I. Yu. Savin proposed an index (VIBI - Vegetation Index - Built up Index), which is a combination of widely known NDVI and NDBI. In this article, we will conduct the experience of deciphering the urbanized territories of Yakutsk based on the VIBI index approach and define the features of the use for northern cities. The purpose of the study is to determine the most effective method for the urbanized territories of northern cities using the example of Yakutsk. We applied the VIBI index on Landsat 8 OLI multi-temporal for the recognition of the urban structures of Yakutsk. Images selected are from June 26, 2017, and November 4, 2017. Winter images are more efficient due to the absence of open water surfaces and various types of open soils. Results of the VIBI index are combined in GIS with other urban databases for the identification of the datchas and year-round houses.