Evaluation and Planning of Urban Green Space Distribution Based on Mobile Phone Data and Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Method

Hao Wu,Yang Yu,Lingbo Liu,Zhenghong Peng

doi:10.3390/su10010214

Abstract

Urban green space is closely related to the quality of life of residents. However, the traditional approach to its planning often fails to address its actual service capacity and users’ demand. In this study, facilitated by mobile phone location data, more specific features of the spatial distribution of urban residents are identified. Further, population distribution in relation to traffic analysis zones is mapped. On this basis, the two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA) is adopted in combination with urban green space planning to evaluate the per capita area of green space and its accessibility in practice. Subsequently, classification of per capita area and spatial distribution of green spaces within the study area are obtained; thus, urban districts currently with low accessibility to green areas are identified and can be deemed as key areas for the planning of green areas in the future. The study concludes that mobile phone data can be used to more accurately map the spatial distribution of residents; while, the 2SFCA offers a more comprehensive quantitative measuring of the supply and demand of green spaces. The two combined can be used as an important basis for decision-making in the planning of urban green spaces. Since urban green space can be regarded as a kind of public facility, the methodology of the present study is also believed to be applicable in studies of other types of urban facilities.

Highlights

Various international studies point out the important role that urban green space can play in the interaction between human and the environment [1]
Since green space can be deemed as a kind of public facility, goods, or service, the approach is applicable for the planning of urban green spaces
The study analyzes the problems of accessibility in relation to the spatial distribution of existing urban green spaces, so as to support the planning of new micro green spaces

Summary

Introduction

Various international studies point out the important role that urban green space can play in the interaction between human and the environment [1]. Most of these methods take into consideration neither the number of users, nor the area and service capacity of green spaces [17] To address such problems, Wang Fahui et al put forward an optimized 2SFCA method to study public facility planning from both the supply and demand sides [18,19]. In the application of the 2SFCA method, some key data inputs include the number of urban residents that a public facility serves, and the accurate spatial distribution of urban residents These data are acquired through social surveys and lack timeliness and precision. The present study attempts to use mobile phone data to identify the spatial distribution of urban residents and the actual demand for green spaces. The study analyzes the problems of accessibility in relation to the spatial distribution of existing urban green spaces, so as to support the planning of new micro green spaces

Methods

Results

Conclusion