Developing a Framework for the Implementation of Landscape and Greenspace Indicators in Sustainable Urban Planning. Waterfront Landscape Management: Case Studies in Gdańsk, Poznań and Bristol

A Scoping Review of Urban Planning Decision Support Tools and Processes That Account for the Health, Environment, and Economic Benefits of Trees and Greenspace

Compelling evidence shows that trees and greenspaces positively impact human well-being and the environment and offer economic benefits. Nevertheless, there exists a knowledge gap regarding the extent to which this evidence is efficiently incorporated into existing urban planning decision-making processes. This scoping review identified the extent to which urban planning decision-making frameworks, models, and tools consider the health, environmental, and economic benefits of trees and greenspace. Out of 28 reviewed studies, 11 (39%) reported on frameworks, models, and tools that take into account the health, environmental, and economic dimensions of trees and greenspace. Additionally, seven studies provided comprehensive coverage of at least one of the three key dimensions. However, none of the decision support frameworks, models, or tools comprehensively integrated all three dimensions, with only two tools (7%) scoring above 50% (five or more out of nine) in terms of comprehensiveness. This review highlights the urgent need to incorporate the true economic and monetary values of the health and environmental benefits of trees and greenspace to inform urban development decision making.

Environmental landscape design and planning system based on computer vision and deep learning

Environmental landscaping is known to build, plan, and manage landscapes that consider the ecology of a site and produce gardens that benefit both people and the rest of the ecosystem. Landscaping and the environment are combined in landscape design planning to provide holistic answers to complex issues. Seeding native species and eradicating alien species are just a few ways humans influence the region’s ecosystem. Landscape architecture is the design of landscapes, urban areas, or gardens and their modification. It comprises the construction of urban and rural landscapes via coordinating the creation and management of open spaces and economics, finding a job, and working within a confined project budget. There was a lot of discussion about global warming and water shortages. There is a lot of hope to be found even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. AI is becoming more significant in many urban landscape planning and design elements with the advent of web 4.0 and Human-Centred computing. It created a virtual reality-based landscape to create deep neural networks (DNNs) to make deep learning (DL) more user-friendly and efficient. Users may only manipulate physical items in this environment to manually construct neural networks. These setups are automatically converted into a model, and the real-time testing set is reported and aware of the DNN models that users are producing. This research presents a novel strategy for combining DL-DNN with landscape architecture, providing a long-term solution to the problem of environmental pollution. Carbon dioxide levels are constantly checked when green plants are in and around the house. Plants, on either hand, remove toxins from the air, making it easier to maintain a healthy environment. Human-centered Artificial Intelligence-based web 4.0 may be used to assess and evaluate the data model. The study findings can be sent back into the design process for further modification and optimization.

A Preliminary Contribution towards a Risk-Based Model for Flood Management Planning Using BIM: A Case Study of Lisbon

Preparing a city for the impact of global warming is becoming of major importance. Adopting climate-proof policies and strategies in response to climate change has become a fundamental element for city planning. To this end, this research considers a multidisciplinary approach, at the local scale, able to connect urban planning and architecture, as a vital base for considering a coastal cities' ability to control the consequences of climate change, specifically floods. So far, there is a scarcity of research connecting sea ground and land surveys, and this study could become a foundational reference for coastline settlement management using BIM. We found in BIM (Building Information Modeling) a possible tool for managing coastal risk, since it can combine crowdsourced data for geometric and information modeling of the city. The proposed BIM model includes a topography used for 3D thematic maps, a riverbed model, and a waterway model. This model aims to facilitate coordination across separate actors and interests since the urban area model is always updatable and improvable. Focusing on a case study of Lisbon, we developed risk-based 3D maps of the area close to the shoreline of the Tagus River.

Aesthetic Quality Assessment of Landscapes as a Model for Urban Forest Areas: A Systematic Literature Review

Aesthetic experience in a forest can typically be associated with attractive forest scenery that gives people a sense of visual pleasure. Characterized as a visual product based on people’s reactions towards various combinations of landscape settings, features, and objects, this type of natural visual pleasure may benefit people’s well-being, promotes natural and cultural heritage preservation, and encourages the growth of the eco-tourism industry. While most research on forest aesthetics focuses on non-urban settings, this study examines aesthetics in the context of urban forests. This study aims to systematically review landscape aesthetic assessment studies to propose a model for urban forests. We conducted a systematic review of research articles published from 2014 to 2020 by using three research journal databases, Science Direct, Scopus, and MDPI. In total, 55 research articles were identified and qualified for review based on the screening requirements. An additional 26 research articles were also included by using the snowball method to provide better understanding and outcomes for the study. The results were organized into these categories: definitions, benefits, philosophies, approaches, and variables for the aesthetic quality assessment in urban forest areas. In addition, we also found that aesthetic quality in urban forests is highly influenced by visual composition, visual sense, and visual conditions, which have also been proven to be important parts of forest functions and values that could contribute towards the preservation of urban green spaces.

Impacts of Zagreb’s Urban Development on Dynamic Changes in Stream Landscapes from Mid-Twentieth Century

Urban streams constitute a valuable form of multi-functional blue and green infrastructure (BGI) and can support urban development to generate ecosystem, social, and economic benefits. In global cities, planning for BGI enhancement contributes to climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, community health and wellbeing, improved quality of life, etc. This research aims to assess the dynamics of stream landscape change in Zagreb as well as the influence of urban development on the blue and green landscape and related urban values. The analysis of landscape features and their planning is conducted at the level of the stream system of the whole city of Zagreb and at the level of two stream sequences by superimposing spatial data from cartographic sources. By developing an urban planning-social-ecological approach to evaluation, monitoring, and management, a quantitative and qualitative trend in stream landscape changes is identified and indicators for detecting areas of critical urbanization pressure are established. This research confirms the trend of negative changes in the urban BGI, evident in the present state (interruption of open streams, and the reduction, fragmentation, and disconnection of blue and green landscape), as well as in the planned neglect (plans for further stream closures and reduction in public green areas). Stream landscape potential is emphasized as one of the greatest urban assets for improving the system of BGI, and areas needed for their prioritization in urban planning measures, directed towards an increase in multiple landscape values, are determined.

Application of Edge Computing Technology in Hydrological Spatial Analysis and Ecological Planning

The process of rapid urbanization causes so many water security issues such as urban waterlogging, environmental water pollution, water shortages, etc. It is, therefore, necessary for us to integrate a variety of theories, methods, measures, and means to conduct ecological problem diagnosis, ecological function demand assessment, and ecological security pattern planning. Here, EC (Edge Computing) technology is applied to analyze the hydrological spatial structure characteristics and ecological planning method of waterfront green space. First, various information is collected and scientifically analyzed around the core element of ecological planning: water. Then, in-depth research is conducted on the previous hydrological spatial analysis methods to identify their defects. Subsequently, given these defects, the EC technology is introduced to design a bottom-up overall architecture of intelligent ecological planning gateway, which can be divided into field devices, EC intelligent planning gateway, transmission system, and cloud processing platform. Finally, the performance of the overall architecture of the intelligent ecological planning gateway is tested. The study aims to optimize the performance of the hydrological spatial analysis method and ecological planning method in Xianglan town of Jiamusi city. The results show that the system can detect the flood control safety system planning, analysis of water source pollution. Additionally, the system also can use the EC technology, depending on the types, hydrological characteristics, pollutants to predict treatment sludge need to put in the pollutant treatment medicament composition and dosage, protection of water source nearby residents public health security. Compared with previous hydrological spatial analysis and ecological planning methods, the system is more scientific, efficient, and expandable. The results provide a technical basis for the research in related fields.

Assessment of Visual Values as a Tool Supporting the Design Decisions of the Cultural Park Protection Plan. The Case of Kazimierz and Stradom in Kraków

Krakow is a city of high landscape values, which has found confirmation in the entry onto the UNESCO heritage list. Its cultural landscape requires protection and clarification within the context of intensive tourist use and a rapid pace of urban spatial development. For preservation protection and restoration of landscape values, the city authorities undertook work on the creation of a Cultural Park in the Stradom and Kazimierz districts, providing a comprehensive, sustainable, and multidisciplinary approach to natural, cultural and visual values of the urban structure. The article presents the application of the method of research on visual values in order to protect individual scenic resources of the historical urban structure. It is one of the analytical studies of a comprehensive protection plan project. This project defines the scope, framework and methods of development and management of a Cultural Park. The task of the visual analysis was to identify, characterize and evaluate the visual resources. It created a visual framework for further development of the historical district while preserving its local spatial identity. The studies resulted in a division into zones according to their nature and intensity of activities as well as outlining protection zones and intervention zones adjusted to individual characteristics of those places. An original method combining achievements of the method of landscape and visual assessment (LVIA) as well as achievements of the Krakow School of Landscape Architecture (KSLA) in terms of cultural landscape assessment was used for the research. The applied method provided guidelines to support sustainable project decisions regarding further development of the district for the preservation of local spatial identity. Its universal character creates possibilities for its application into the plans of other Krakow districts and is intended to be applicable to both urban and rural structures.

Using Composition to Assess and Enhance Visual Values in Landscapes

(1) The research presented in this paper aims to study the value attributed to a landscape composition’s visual elements and their overall influence on how they are perceived. The historical and contemporary visual approaches to a landscape constitute its background, for example, geographical, aesthetic, iconographic, phenomenological. (2) The visual assessment method elaborated by the Polish school of landscape architecture is used in the first part of this study. It is built of three steps with corresponding tools: landscape inventory, composition analysis, and evaluation. Moreover, an expert survey is used to complete the study. The work’s novelty is completing the visual approach with an expert inquiry, which aims to solve the subjectivity issue, an inherent visual evaluation controversy. The study area comprises urban and suburban locations from the agglomeration of Poznań, Poland. (3) The research results indicate the significant contribution of three visual elements to the positive assessment of landscape values: greenery, built heritage, and water. The importance of the composition is also demonstrated. (4) The main research findings show that visual evaluation tools should be implemented as part of sustainable spatial planning. Their implementation permits identifying the essential positive value in the existing landscape and creating guidelines for its preservation or enhancement. The article’s significance is the effect of proposing real and possible guidelines to improve the spatial planning policy, making landscape management more sustainable.

Evaluation and Monitoring of Urban Public Greenspace Planning Using Landscape Metrics in Kunming

Urban greenspace planning plays a crucial role in improving the quality of human settlements and the living standard of citizens. Urban public greenspace (UPGS) is an important part of urban greenspaces. Existing literature rarely includes a scientific evaluation of greenspace plans (including of UPGS) and plan implementation effects. To bridge this gap, this study evaluated and monitored the UPGS plan enacted in 2010 in Kunming, China. Object-based image classification and visual interpretation of satellite images and Google Earth imagery were used to quantify the different periods of UPGS implementation. Six indicators and monitoring at four classic sites were applied to explore the change at two scales (overall scale and district scale) for monitoring the UPGS plan execution. The results showed that UPGS structure greatly improved after plan implementation. However, UPGS provision per capita has not reached the level of greenspace planning and the connectivity was poor. Significant implementation inequalities existed in each district and implementation has lagged behind schedule. This study contributes to a better understanding of greenspace planning and urban planning in general, which can help improve future planning and planning decisions.

Progress and Gaps in Research on Urban Green Space Morphology: A Review

Examining urban green space from the perspective of morphology is an important way to perform the current practice of urban green space planning, preserve and restore the function of urban natural habitats, and maintain good spatial patterns of urban ecological environment. Based on the investigation and analysis of relevant scientific literature on urban green space morphology, we discussed the regional and temporal context and the knowledge frame of the relevant research on urban green space morphology. The frontier methods and technologies within the research category were summarized, including studies on urban green space planning, studies on urban green space pattern and urban landscape pattern, and studies on strategies, planning management, and solutions for sustainable development of urban green space. Finally, the existing problems in urban green space morphology research were discussed, and the future research directions and objectives were proposed.

Public Green Space Policy Implementation: A Case Study of Krakow, Poland

Green space is essential for the implementation of the idea of sustainable urban development. This paper contains original research on the implementation of local government tasks in the development of public green space. The aim of this research was to analyse the actions taken by the municipal authorities regarding the development of public green space, including the acquisition of real properties, the regulation of their legal status, as well as the adoption of planning and programme documents. The Polish Central Statistical Office data on the public green space of the largest cities in Poland were analysed in order to determine the dynamics of changes. Then, the focus was placed on Krakow, where the authors analysed in detail the distribution and type of urban green space as well as the actions taken by the Municipality to both extend it and to protect it against building development. The criterion of green space accessibility to city residents was indicated as a necessary aspect to be considered in the overall assessment of the existing greenery. The conclusions include the assessment of the actions of the Krakow authorities and the observed trends in the development of public green space.

Changes in the Secondary Landscape Structure in Hruby Jesenik Mountains (Czech Republic)

This study deals with the analysis of changes in the secondary landscape structure of the territory of the Jeseniky Mountains (Czech Republic) monitored in the years 1946, 1953, 1962, 2000, and 2016. The study analysed georeferencing aerial geodetic images in the QGIS 2.18 program. On the basis of the land use classification key that was created, historical changes were identified in the following categories of land use; forest, arable land, orchards, water surfaces, wild life refuges and scattered greenery, river networks, permanent grass stands, meadows and pastures, gardens and built-up areas, courtyards and hard surfaces. The surface areas of land use categories were utilized for the calculation of change indicators regarding the structure of the landscape (landscape similarity index, coefficient of ecological stability, and change index). The maps for land use created for individual historical periods functioned as the starting point for a comprehensive assessment of the landscape by means of a SWOT analysis, which created the basis for a proposal for permanently sustainable utilization of the landscape in the area that was monitored. The study results indicate that the analysis of the historical development of the secondary landscape structure may be utilized as a decision support tool when planning sustainable landscape management.

Urban Vegetation in Air Quality Management: A Review and Policy Framework

Recent episodes of high air pollution concentration levels in many Polish cities indicate the urgent need for policy change and for the integration of various aspects of urban development into a common platform for local air quality management. In this article, the focus was placed on the prospects of improving urban air quality through proper design and protection of vegetation systems within local spatial planning strategies. Recent studies regarding the mitigation of air pollution by urban greenery due to deposition and aerodynamic effects were reviewed, with special attention given to the design guidelines resulting from these studies and their applicability in the process of urban planning. The conclusions drawn from the review were used to conduct three case studies: in Gdańsk, Warsaw, and Poznań, Poland. The existing local urban planning regulations for the management of urban greenery were critically evaluated in relation to the findings of the review. The results indicate that the current knowledge regarding the improvement of urban air quality by vegetation is not applied in the process of urban planning to a sufficient degree. Some recommendations for alternative provisions were discussed.

Quantitative Landscape Assessment Using LiDAR and Rendered 360° Panoramic Images

The study presents a new method for quantitative landscape assessment. The method uses LiDAR data and combines the potential of GIS (ArcGIS) and 3D graphics software (Blender). The developed method allows one to create Classified Digital Surface Models (CDSM), which are then used to create 360° panoramic images from the point of view of the observer. In order to quantify the landscape, 360° panoramic images were transformed to the Interrupted Sinusoidal Projection using G.Projector software. A quantitative landscape assessment is carried out automatically with the following landscape classes: ground, low, medium, and high vegetation, buildings, water, and sky according to the LiDAR 1.2 standard. The results of the analysis are presented quantitatively—the percentage distribution of landscape classes in the 360° field of view. In order to fully describe the landscape around the observer, graphs of little planets have been proposed to interpret the obtained results. The usefulness of the developed methodology, together with examples of its application and the way of presenting the results, is described. The proposed Quantitative Landscape Assessment method (QLA360) allows quantitative landscape assessment to be performed in the 360° field of view without the need to carry out field surveys. The QLA360 uses LiDAR American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) classification standards, which allows one to avoid differences resulting from the use of different algorithms for classifying images in semantic segmentation. The most important advantages of the method are as follows: observer-independent, 360° field of view which simulates human perspective, automatic operation, scalability, and easy presentation and interpretation of results.

Indicators for the Planning and Management of Urban Green Spaces: A Focus on Public Areas in Padua, Italy

Green spaces and trees are fundamental for the sustainability of cities. The use of management and planning indicators for green spaces, including urban forests, have been proposed, but are rarely applied and their potential to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits is usually overlooked by policy makers and managers. Here, we apply a set of indicators describing green spaces and their variability in different urban units within the Basso Isonzo, an area of the city of Padua (northern Italy). Eleven indicators were selected based on their capacity to consider availability, accessibility and the preservation or increase of urban green spaces and tree cover. The value of indicators was standardized and enabled to have five classes indicating increasing performance. The study indicates green spaces’ heterogeneous conditions. Interestingly, the indicators commonly change moving from the city center to the outskirts. Monitoring through these indicators will enable understanding whether specific management and planning targets are met and, in the absence of these targets, identifying main trends over time. The proposed approach and indicators applied are simple to collect, analyze, and convey information. The indicators are related to relevant social, economic and ecological conditions pertaining to green spaces. The proposed indicators can therefore be used as a simple tool to guide decision-making with the aim of enhancing green spaces.

Temporal Characteristics of Waterfronts in Wuhan City and People’s Behavioral Preferences Based on Social Media Data

The appeal and vibrancy of urban waterfronts are catalysts for urban progress and sustainable urban development. This study aims to thoroughly explore the temporal characteristics of waterfront vibrancy and explore people’s behavioral preferences for various types of waterfronts at various times. On the basis of social media data, this study uses the seasonal index analysis method to classify waterfronts. Then, the kernel density estimation was used to analyze the spatial structure of different types of waterfronts. Finally, temporally weighted regression was used to indicate people’s preferences for various types of waterfronts. In general, results show the different temporal characteristics of users in waterfronts at different times and their behavioral preferences for waterfronts as the reasons behind these preface characteristics. First, on weekdays, people tend to visit daily waterfronts close to residences, and people find it convenient to walk after 18:00 and engage in recreational activities dominated by consumption and exercise, which reach a peak at 22:00–24:00. Second, on weekends, people prefer the weekend waterfronts with complete entertainment facilities and cultural themes. The natural seasonal waterfronts with seasonal landscapes attract people in various seasons, such as spring and autumn, whereas the social seasonal waterfront may be more attractive during high seasons, especially in March and June, due to big water events or nearby colleges and universities. Therefore, the government should improve the facilities of various types of waterfronts to satisfy people’s preferences at different times and help in proposing targeted suggestions with reference to future city waterfront planning and space design, contributing to the waterfronts’ vitality improvement, urban features, and promotion of urban sustainable development.