Geospatial analysis for promoting urban green space equity: Case study of Detroit, Michigan, USA

Abstract

Urban green spaces play a vital role in promoting human health and well-being, enhancing urban ecosystems, and supporting urban sustainability and resilience. However, inequities in the distribution and accessibility to urban green spaces can disproportionately affect vulnerable and underserved communities. This study examines the distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces in Detroit, Michigan, using high-resolution geospatial data and geospatial analysis methods, including geographically weighted regression (GWR) and network-based analyses. The study aims to correlate urban green space access inequities with social and environmental justice indicators and offer strategies for urban planners to identify and address green space inequities using geospatial analysis. The case study identifies significant urban green space inequities, with 87 % (53 %) of buildings lacking a park or recreational area within a quarter-mile (half-mile) walking distance. GWR analysis further demonstrates that neighborhoods with higher social vulnerability scores tend to have significantly lower green space availability, although park areas appear to be equitably distributed in some parts of the city. These findings highlight critical areas in Detroit that can be prioritized for green space development to address these inequities and create healthier, more resilient urban environments. The methods presented can be applied to other cities to assist urban planners in identifying where resources can be most efficiently allocated to address current green space disparities, particularly in historically underserved areas.