GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping technology has been utilized with increasing frequency to aid in the design and evaluation of urban green space areas. The study authors used GIS to perform an in-depth analysis of existing urban green space (UGS) in Nairobi, Kenya. The choice of Nairobi as a test site allowed investigators to examine UGS features present in an underutilized third-world environment. Extreme population growth and lack of free space present extreme challenges to the establishment of adequate green areas. In order to fully assess existing UGS the study authors used GIS mapping, orthographic photographs (a way of representing a three dimensional space in two dimensions), and a UGS suitability checklist in conjunction with responses from experts in the fields of urban planning and landscape design.
Their findings indicated a limited amount of existing green space (9.86%), which they noted was low in comparison to other cities in developing countries such as Hanoi (which has set its minimum at 18% UGS), and inadequate to support the health, aesthetic and recreation needs of the city. A critical component of UGS distribution in Nairobi was the influence of socioeconomic factors on access. The largest areas of UGS were not accessible to the public and privately held by upscale housing communities, golf courses etc. Geography also factored heavily into the relative distribution of green space with the majority of UGS centered in the western half of the city. A second goal of the study authors was to identify areas in which there was the potential for UGS expansion. These were presented on topographical maps with color gradation to illustrate low, mid and high potential for UGS developments.
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