Using a GIS-based network analysis to determine urban greenspace accessibility for different ethnic and religious groups

Abstract

Greenspace access in an English city was analysed using a network analysis in a geographical information system (GIS). Access for different religious and ethnic groups was compared with benchmark standards that form part of the UK government guidance on greenspace provision. Despite having nearly more than twice the recommended amount of accessible greenspace per capita, its distribution and pattern show considerable variation especially when spatially analysed with respect to ethnic and religious groups. Whilst the specific results are locally important (Indian, Hindu and Sikh groups were found to have limited access to greenspace in the city), the study shows how a GIS-based network analysis in conjunction with statistical analysis of socio-economic data can be used to analyse the equity of access to community goods and services. The results can be used to inform the local planning process and the GIS approach can be expanded into other local authority domains. The approach presented in this paper offers a generic method for quantifying the differences in the provision of community goods and services (e.g. educational, health, environmental, etc.) for a range of different societal groups (e.g. related to deprivation, disability, occupation, economic activity, household tenure and types, age and health).