An experimental study for geospatial and demographic analysis of green space access

Abstract

[EN] This paper examines the proximity of urban populations and buildings to green spaces in the cities of Bologna and Catania using two indices: the Building's Proximity to Green Spaces Index and Green Proximity Population Index. These indices integrate GIS, OpenStreetMap, and NDVI data to provide a comprehensive understanding of green space accessibility in densely populated urban environments. By leveraging Big Data methodologies, including large-scale spatial analysis and population-based modelling, the study highlights disparities in access to green areas. The integration of multiple high-resolution datasets enables a fine-grained evaluation of urban green spaces, offering critical insights for urban planners, policy makers, and economists aiming to enhance ecological and social sustainability. The findings align with the growing need for data-driven urban planning strategies, particularly in the context of smart cities and sustainable development.