From Grass Fields to Parks: Identifying and Classifying Urban Green Space for Sustainable City Planning in Utrecht
Summary
This research analyses the location and quality of Urban Green Space (UGS) in Utrecht,
aiming to categorize them based on quality factors. A combination of satellite image
classification and qualitative assessments has been used. Different image classification
methods were evaluated to determine the most suitable approach. The study further
assesses the quality of green spaces by considering both objective (data-driven) and
subjective (community-based) factors. The objective approach uses a multi-criteria
analysis with factors determining green space quality. The subjective approach analyses
surveys filled out by citizens of Utrecht. The final step involves creating a typology of UGS
in Utrecht based on these quality assessments. The study found that classifying an RGB
aerial image with an object-based model was the most appropriate model with an
accuracy of 90%. The green space data was compared with various ambitions and it
showed that Utrecht has enough green space per household throughout the city to meet
their target, but the green area is unevenly distributed. In 43% of neighbourhoods, there
is enough green space compared to the ambition. In 71% of neighbourhoods, the
proportion of public green space within total green space is large enough. Finally, it was
found that no correlation exists between objective and subjective green space quality. In
some parts of the city, the proportion of green space in the area is very high in number
and quality. Other parts are grey and the green space that is there in these parts is usually
of lower quality, which means that more and higher quality green space is needed in those
places. These findings provide insights into the distribution and characteristics of urban
green areas, offering valuable recommendations for sustainable city planning.