Analysis of Green Space and its Accessibility in AL-Madinah City, Essay

Analysis of Green Space and its Accessibility in AL-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia, - Essay Example Green spaces are of great importance both for ecological balance and for the health of individuals (Heidt and Neef, 2008). They play a fundamental role in providing opportunities for rest, relaxation and enjoying the beauty of nature for the urban population wishing to escape the daily stresses of urban life. Moreover, green spaces facilitate sport and leisure activities. In reference to the ecological benefits green space absorbs and expels pollutants from the environment, by acting as an urban heat sink thereby protecting urban biodiversity. Green spaces are important for improving the air quality during the day, ridding it of carbon dioxide and other pollutants; they also beautify the environment, create a soothing atmosphere, and protect people from the glare and heat of the sun This research will develop and extend current methods for the spatial analysis of patterns of green space accessibility with regards to all segments of the population in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Increasing rates of urbanization in Madinah have led to increased pressure on many of the services and facilities, especially green spaces and gardens which are a key requirement for high density neighborhoods as they beneficial for the human life and for the environment as well. Thus, there is need to analyze these patterns and accessibility in order to guide green space planning both now and into the future.The huge evolution in Geographic Information Systems techniques can be used to analysis the accessibility to green spaces.... he services and facilities, especially green spaces and gardens which are a key requirement for high density neighborhoods as they beneficial for the human life and for the environment as well. Thus, there is need to analyze these patterns and accessibility in order to guide green space planning both now and into the future. The huge evolution in Geographic Information Systems techniques (Spatial Analysis, Modelling, Spatial Assessment, Network analysis) can be used to analysis the accessibility to green spaces. During GIS analysis of access to green space, it is imperative to compare the official classification of land area with the land use pattern on the ground. According to Chang (2008), classifying land portion is a viable method of appreciating land use in an area. Chang (2008), in his study, analyzes the accessibility of green space in terms of land area use. He compared the land use matrices in different areas in order to ascertain green space accessibility by considering the impact of different land uses over the accessibility of green spaces (Chang, 2008). Chang (2008) found that the impacts of land use, such as commercial and industrial activities, are directly proportional to area dweller’s access to the green space. The aim of this research is to analyse: [1] the geographical distribution of green spaces and [2] the factors that affect accessibility to green spaces to ensure that any future development addresses the issue of equitable distribution and access to parks and green spaces. The study will analyze the geographical distribution of green spaces and their facilities in Madinah by collecting relevant data from various parks of the city. The results will be represented through tables, graphs, and maps to show the pattern of geographical