Index for evaluation of public parks and gardens proximity based on the mobility network: A case study of Braga, Braganza and Viana do Castelo (Portugal) and Lugo and Pontevedra (Spain)

Abstract

Urban green space (UGS) indices are increasingly used and are mentioned by many authors. However, while indices relating to the amount of green space are widespread, other important information about UGSs (including proximity) is somehow disregarded. This is noticeable in the Iberian Peninsula, for which studies relating to proximity of public parks and gardens (PG) are not easily found.The aim of this study is to quantify proximity as a percentage of the mobility network served (MNS%) and to use MNS% as a comparison index for five cities located in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula. The MNS% index allows an easier comparison between case studies and an assessment of the current situation in cities. It is important to encourage policymakers to use proximity indexes.The results present the PG size categories that provide a proximity service in the five studied cities: Braga, Braganza, Lugo, Pontevedra and Viana do Castelo. The MNS% values found were low in all the cities (all lower than 50%). In addition, large areas were found with no UGS proximity.