Using a GIS-based network analysis to determine urban greenspace accessibility for different socio-economic groups, specifically related to deprivation in Leicester, UK

Abstract

Accessibility to greenspace by different socio-economic groups specifically related to deprivation in English city of Leicester was done using Geographical Information System (GIS) network analysis. The result was compared with ANGSt standard which provided the benchmark for accessing greenspace in UK. The result shows that greater percentage of socio-economically deprived group in Leicester lack access to greenspace within 300m from home. For distances of 2000m and 5000m, 70% do have access. This work has explored the use of GIS network analysis to assess the accessibility of greenspace among socio-economically deprived groups which will help those saddled with the responsibility of providing greenspace in carrying out their duties to ensure equity. This analysis can be extended to other groups in Leicester e.g. the handicap, elderly etc to assess how accessible greenspace is to them.