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 green space by different socio-economic groups, specifically related to deprivation in the English city of Leicester, was done using Geographical Information System (GIS) network analysis. The result was compared with the ANGSt standard, which provided the benchmark for assessing green space in the UK. The result shows that a greater percentage of socio-economically deprived groups in Leicester lack access to green space within 300m of their homes. For distances of 2000m and 5000m, 70% 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 handicapped, elderly, etc, to assess how accessible Greenspace is to them.