Green Spaces
Definition
Green spaces are vegetated areas—parks, street trees, community gardens, riparian corridors—that deliver cooling, stormwater retention, biodiversity habitat, and mental‑health benefits. In spatial planning, green space is both a network and a service: access within walking distance, canopy equity, and quality of amenities matter as much as total area.
Application
Cities map canopy to target heat‑island mitigation, plan greenways for active transport, and prioritize neighborhoods with low access. Health departments correlate green exposure with wellbeing metrics while utilities value trees as infrastructure for shade and infiltration.
FAQ
How do we measure equitable access?
Combine 5–10 minute walk isochrones with park quality scores and population vulnerability to reveal service gaps, not just distances.
Can more trees raise flood risk?
Usually trees reduce runoff, but poorly designed berms or compacted soils can back up water. Pair canopy expansion with permeable surfaces and drainage.
What data sources help?
LiDAR for canopy height, high‑res imagery for land cover, crowdsourced park amenities, and heat sensors for microclimate evaluation.
How to protect green spaces during growth?
Adopt green‑factor requirements, conservation easements, and tree‑protection bylaws; monitor change with annual canopy audits.
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