A disponibilidade de dados quantitativos confiáveis é primordial para compreensão da Ecologia de áreas verdes, pois a partir deles é possível entender o funcionamento desses ecossistemas e avaliar sua participação no fornecimento de serviços ambientais. As áreas verdes podem ser compreendidas como uma rede dentro da matriz urbana composta por fragmentos, representados por parques, praças e áreas de proteção, interligados por corredores, principalmente matas ciliares e ruas arborizadas. Em diversos estudos, a caracterização das áreas verdes se baseia na distribuição da cobertura arbórea e do uso do solo mensurados por processos que utilizam técnicas de interpretação de imagens de sensoriamento remoto e de geoprocessamento, que têm se tornado mais acessíveis com os softwares livres. A cobertura arbórea inclui populações de árvores de rua e populações de árvores que não são de rua, que constituem aglomerados. No capítulo 2, são aplicados sobre 6 bairros de Rio Claro - SP (Brasil) 6 processos de mapeamento do solo: Dot grid; Classificação Automática Supervisionada; Classificação Automática Supervisionada com uso do NDVI; Classificação Automática Não Supervisionada; Classificação Automática Não Supervisionada com uso do NDVI; Vetorização, aplicada apenas à cobertura arbórea. Os processos foram equivalentes na quantificação dos diversos tipos de cobertura (Estatísticas Kappa >= 0,75) e forneceram dados acurados de quantificação da cobertura arbórea (teste de Tukey, com dados de referência da Vetorização), exceto para Classificação Automática Supervisionada. Obteve-se melhor desempenho das classificações automáticas com o NDVI combinado à imagem multiespectral. Avaliações mais refinadas das áreas verdes acessam informações sobre a comunidade vegetal que as compõe por levantamentos em campo. O tipo de inventário florestal a ser utilizado depende dos objetivos e é limitado pelo tempo e recursos financeiros disponíveis. No que tange as árvores de rua, processos de amostragem podem fornecer informações adequadas para muitos projetos, além de reduzirem custos, pois a amostra da população é suficiente para visão geral de todos os aspectos, embora se percam informações específicas dos indivíduos. No capítulo 3, investiga-se a eficiência do inventário florestal pelos métodos de amostragem sistemática simples e amostragem sistemática estratificada da população de árvores de rua da área densamente urbanizada de Piracicaba - SP (Brasil), tendo como variável de estratificação a porcentagem de cobertura de árvores de rua e como variáveis de interesse: densidade em número de indivíduos por quilômetro de calçada (Df), densidade em área basal por quilômetro de calçada (Dg), altura total média (Ht), densidade em volume por quilômetro de calçada (Dv), densidade em número de espécies por quilômetro de calçada (De). Avaliou-se também o uso de diferentes unidades amostrais representadas por: 1, 2, 3 e 4 quarteirões. Para tanto, foram amostrados sistematicamente 90 conjuntos de 4 quarteirões, nos quais foram levantados os indivíduos com CAP >= 12 cm plantados em calçada e canteiro central. Pela redução no Esforço amostral, foi possível observar que a amostragem sistemática estratificada foi mais eficiente que a amostragem sistemática simples, especialmente para Df, Dg e Dv. O aumento no tamanho da unidade amostral também provocou redução no Esforço amostral, porém houve aumento na Intensidade de amostragem. / The availability of reliable quantitative data is primordial to understanding the Ecology of green spaces, because from them it is possible to know the functioning of these ecosystems and to evaluate their participation in provision of ecosystems services. Green spaces can be understood as a network within the urban matrix composed of fragments, represented by parks, squares and protected areas, interconnected by corridors, especially riparian forests and wooded streets. In several studies, the characterization of green areas has been based on the distribution of tree cover and land use processes measured by using techniques of interpretation of remote sensing images and GIS, which have become more accessible with the development of software free. The tree cover includes populations of street trees and populations of no street tree, forming aggregation. In chapter 2, 6 mapping processes of urban land are applied over 6 districts of Rio Claro city - SP (Brazil): Dot grid; Supervised Automatic Classification; Supervised Automatic Classification using NDVI; Unsupervised Automatic Classification; Unsupervised Automatic Classification using NDVI; Vector, applied only to tree cover. The processes were equivalent in the quantification of the several types of coverage (Kappa Statistic greater than 0.75) and provided accurate quantification data of tree cover (Tukey Test, with quantification by Vector as reference data), except for Supervised Automatic Classification. Best performance of automatic classifications was obtained by NDVI combination with multispectral imaging. More refined assessments of green spaces access information on vegetal community that makes up the tree cover through field surveys. The type of forest inventory to be used depends on the established goals and is limited by time and financial resources. In terms of street trees, the sampling methods can provide adequate information for many projects as well as reducing costs, since the sample is sufficient to overview of all aspects, despite losing specific information of each individual. In Chapter 3, we investigate the efficiency of forest inventory methods by simple systematic sampling and stratified systematic sampling of the street tree population in densely urbanized area of Piracicaba - SP (Brazil), with the percentage of street tree cover as stratification variable and the interest variables are: number of individuals per kilometer of sidewalk (Df), basal area per kilometer of sidewalk (Dg), total height mean (Ht), volume per kilometer of sidewalk (Dv) , number of species per kilometer of sidewalk (De). The use of different sampling units was evaluated too: 1 block, 2 blocks, 3 blocks, and 4 blocks. For that, 90 sets of 4 blocks were systematically sampled, in which individuals with CAP >= 12 cm planted in sidewalk and median were raised. By the reduction in Sample size (Ne), it was observed that the systematic stratified sampling was more efficient than simple systematic sampling, especially for Df, Dg and Dv. The increase in the size of the sampling units also caused reduction in Sample size, but there was an increase in the Sample intensity (I%).

A disponibilidade de dados quantitativos confiáveis é primordial para compreensão da Ecologia de áreas verdes, pois a partir deles é possível entender o funcionamento desses ecossistemas e avaliar sua participação no fornecimento de serviços ambientais. As áreas verdes podem ser compreendidas como uma rede dentro da matriz urbana composta por fragmentos, representados por parques, praças e áreas de proteção, interligados por corredores, principalmente matas ciliares e ruas arborizadas. Em diversos estudos, a caracterização das áreas verdes se baseia na distribuição da cobertura arbórea e do uso do solo mensurados por processos que utilizam técnicas de interpretação de imagens de sensoriamento remoto e de geoprocessamento, que têm se tornado mais acessíveis com os softwares livres. A cobertura arbórea inclui populações de árvores de rua e populações de árvores que não são de rua, que constituem aglomerados. No capítulo 2, são aplicados sobre 6 bairros de Rio Claro - SP (Brasil) 6 processos de mapeamento do solo: Dot grid; Classificação Automática Supervisionada; Classificação Automática Supervisionada com uso do NDVI; Classificação Automática Não Supervisionada; Classificação Automática Não Supervisionada com uso do NDVI; Vetorização, aplicada apenas à cobertura arbórea. Os processos foram equivalentes na quantificação dos diversos tipos de cobertura (Estatísticas Kappa >= 0,75) e forneceram dados acurados de quantificação da cobertura arbórea (teste de Tukey, com dados de referência da Vetorização), exceto para Classificação Automática Supervisionada. Obteve-se melhor desempenho das classificações automáticas com o NDVI combinado à imagem multiespectral. Avaliações mais refinadas das áreas verdes acessam informações sobre a comunidade vegetal que as compõe por levantamentos em campo. O tipo de inventário florestal a ser utilizado depende dos objetivos e é limitado pelo tempo e recursos financeiros disponíveis. No que tange as árvores de rua, processos de amostragem podem fornecer informações adequadas para muitos projetos, além de reduzirem custos, pois a amostra da população é suficiente para visão geral de todos os aspectos, embora se percam informações específicas dos indivíduos. No capítulo 3, investiga-se a eficiência do inventário florestal pelos métodos de amostragem sistemática simples e amostragem sistemática estratificada da população de árvores de rua da área densamente urbanizada de Piracicaba - SP (Brasil), tendo como variável de estratificação a porcentagem de cobertura de árvores de rua e como variáveis de interesse: densidade em número de indivíduos por quilômetro de calçada (Df), densidade em área basal por quilômetro de calçada (Dg), altura total média (Ht), densidade em volume por quilômetro de calçada (Dv), densidade em número de espécies por quilômetro de calçada (De). Avaliou-se também o uso de diferentes unidades amostrais representadas por: 1, 2, 3 e 4 quarteirões. Para tanto, foram amostrados sistematicamente 90 conjuntos de 4 quarteirões, nos quais foram levantados os indivíduos com CAP >= 12 cm plantados em calçada e canteiro central. Pela redução no Esforço amostral, foi possível observar que a amostragem sistemática estratificada foi mais eficiente que a amostragem sistemática simples, especialmente para Df, Dg e Dv. O aumento no tamanho da unidade amostral também provocou redução no Esforço amostral, porém houve aumento na Intensidade de amostragem. / The availability of reliable quantitative data is primordial to understanding the Ecology of green spaces, because from them it is possible to know the functioning of these ecosystems and to evaluate their participation in provision of ecosystems services. Green spaces can be understood as a network within the urban matrix composed of fragments, represented by parks, squares and protected areas, interconnected by corridors, especially riparian forests and wooded streets. In several studies, the characterization of green areas has been based on the distribution of tree cover and land use processes measured by using techniques of interpretation of remote sensing images and GIS, which have become more accessible with the development of software free. The tree cover includes populations of street trees and populations of no street tree, forming aggregation. In chapter 2, 6 mapping processes of urban land are applied over 6 districts of Rio Claro city - SP (Brazil): Dot grid; Supervised Automatic Classification; Supervised Automatic Classification using NDVI; Unsupervised Automatic Classification; Unsupervised Automatic Classification using NDVI; Vector, applied only to tree cover. The processes were equivalent in the quantification of the several types of coverage (Kappa Statistic greater than 0.75) and provided accurate quantification data of tree cover (Tukey Test, with quantification by Vector as reference data), except for Supervised Automatic Classification. Best performance of automatic classifications was obtained by NDVI combination with multispectral imaging. More refined assessments of green spaces access information on vegetal community that makes up the tree cover through field surveys. The type of forest inventory to be used depends on the established goals and is limited by time and financial resources. In terms of street trees, the sampling methods can provide adequate information for many projects as well as reducing costs, since the sample is sufficient to overview of all aspects, despite losing specific information of each individual. In Chapter 3, we investigate the efficiency of forest inventory methods by simple systematic sampling and stratified systematic sampling of the street tree population in densely urbanized area of Piracicaba - SP (Brazil), with the percentage of street tree cover as stratification variable and the interest variables are: number of individuals per kilometer of sidewalk (Df), basal area per kilometer of sidewalk (Dg), total height mean (Ht), volume per kilometer of sidewalk (Dv) , number of species per kilometer of sidewalk (De). The use of different sampling units was evaluated too: 1 block, 2 blocks, 3 blocks, and 4 blocks. For that, 90 sets of 4 blocks were systematically sampled, in which individuals with CAP >= 12 cm planted in sidewalk and median were raised. By the reduction in Sample size (Ne), it was observed that the systematic stratified sampling was more efficient than simple systematic sampling, especially for Df, Dg and Dv. The increase in the size of the sampling units also caused reduction in Sample size, but there was an increase in the Sample intensity (I%).

The impact that urban green spaces in urban environments have on the sustainability and quality of life of the residents is phenomenal (Atiqul & Shah, 2011:601; UrbSpace, 2010; Levent et al, 2004:1). The local reality in South Africa confirms that green spaces in urban environments are decreasing because of growing populations and increasing urbanization (Statistics South Africa, 2013:2). This study aims to investigate the planning of and provision for green spaces in the urban environment, along with the benefits that such spaces can provide to communities by focusing on the aspect of child-friendliness. The planning of child-friendly spaces is no new phenomena in the international context, but however, limited in local context. This research aims to investigate the concept of child-friendly spaces, along with theoretical aspects and international best practices, in order to be able to evaluate the current South African approach (and legislative support) of the planning of such spaces within urban green spaces. This study evaluated the planning and implementation of child-friendly spaces in the urban environment of the city of Durban, Republic of South Africa. It is based on the theoretical background investigating concepts such as open spaces, green spaces and child-friendly spaces. The importance of planning for green spaces and as such, child-friendly green spaces were also elaborated on. Two international case studies were identified as best-practice cases and included in this research, namely Mullerpier child-friendly public playground in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Kadidjiny Park in Melville, Australia. The aim was to determine how these child-friendly spaces were planned and developed and to identify tools that were used to accomplish the goal of providing successful child-friendly green spaces. Planning approaches of the two international case studies illustrated the need and importance of planning for such spaces and how it should be implemented to ensure sustainability of the child-friendly space itself and the surrounding area. The policies and frameworks which influence the study area in Essenwood, Durban, were identified and analysed in order to establish whether or not the planning and development of child-friendly spaces is supported within the chosen area. This research concluded that child-friendly green spaces have a positive impact on the urban environment, caters for children’s needs and assist in their development and interaction with the natural environment. The need for these spaces is of utmost importance and the proposed implementation and improvement of child-friendly green spaces should be supported by way of specific policies and legislation, in order to ensure the success and sustainability of these spaces. Examples of international case studies were used to identify best practical examples, in order to formulate recommendations to improve the planning and development of child-friendly spaces in South Africa. Local gaps were identified in the current approach to planning of these child-friendly green spaces in South Africa. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The impact that urban green spaces in urban environments have on the sustainability and quality of life of the residents is phenomenal (Atiqul & Shah, 2011:601; UrbSpace, 2010; Levent et al, 2004:1). The local reality in South Africa confirms that green spaces in urban environments are decreasing because of growing populations and increasing urbanization (Statistics South Africa, 2013:2). This study aims to investigate the planning of and provision for green spaces in the urban environment, along with the benefits that such spaces can provide to communities by focusing on the aspect of child-friendliness. The planning of child-friendly spaces is no new phenomena in the international context, but however, limited in local context. This research aims to investigate the concept of child-friendly spaces, along with theoretical aspects and international best practices, in order to be able to evaluate the current South African approach (and legislative support) of the planning of such spaces within urban green spaces. This study evaluated the planning and implementation of child-friendly spaces in the urban environment of the city of Durban, Republic of South Africa. It is based on the theoretical background investigating concepts such as open spaces, green spaces and child-friendly spaces. The importance of planning for green spaces and as such, child-friendly green spaces were also elaborated on. Two international case studies were identified as best-practice cases and included in this research, namely Mullerpier child-friendly public playground in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Kadidjiny Park in Melville, Australia. The aim was to determine how these child-friendly spaces were planned and developed and to identify tools that were used to accomplish the goal of providing successful child-friendly green spaces. Planning approaches of the two international case studies illustrated the need and importance of planning for such spaces and how it should be implemented to ensure sustainability of the child-friendly space itself and the surrounding area. The policies and frameworks which influence the study area in Essenwood, Durban, were identified and analysed in order to establish whether or not the planning and development of child-friendly spaces is supported within the chosen area. This research concluded that child-friendly green spaces have a positive impact on the urban environment, caters for children’s needs and assist in their development and interaction with the natural environment. The need for these spaces is of utmost importance and the proposed implementation and improvement of child-friendly green spaces should be supported by way of specific policies and legislation, in order to ensure the success and sustainability of these spaces. Examples of international case studies were used to identify best practical examples, in order to formulate recommendations to improve the planning and development of child-friendly spaces in South Africa. Local gaps were identified in the current approach to planning of these child-friendly green spaces in South Africa. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas and this figure is expected to increase. The worldwide trend is in the direction of urbanization. Building sustainable cities is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) initiated by United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. In the anthropocene of human induced climate change, what makes a city sustainable? This paper takes Beijing as the case study, uses building smart infrastructures and lowering ecological footprints as the main thread, uses a mixed research method of questionnaires, interviews and site survey, and discusses four aspects -- transportation, waste management, green spaces and energy saving buildings -- from employees’ perspectives of how to a build a sustainable city. This paper also discusses the relations between smart infrastructure and the resilience of a city, and relations between lowering ecological footprints and a green city, and draws a conclusion that a resilient and green city is a sustainable city. We can build a sustainable Beijing only through vigorously developed public transportation, well managed waste, the development of diversified green spaces, and buildings that efficiently use natural resources as energy supplies.

Spatial and temporal patterns of urban vegetation have been widely studied since the mid-twentieth century, but these studies have focused mainly on northern hemisphere countries, and little research has been conducted in developing countries. Urban vegetation is characterized by the presence of species that are adapted to the particular environmental conditions of cities, and a high diversity of exotic species. This occurs due to a combination of factors: on one hand, it is possible to find wild vegetation (weeds) on abandoned lands or those with little intervention, as well as on walls and buildings. On the other hand, there is also an enormous variety of ornamental and mainly exotic species, which have been cultivated by humans. The processes of species selection performed individually or collectively are a major determinant of the diversity of urban vegetation and flora. Individual decisions relate to private spaces such as residential gardens whose owners manage the vegetation according to their preferences and interests. Collective decisions relate to public spaces, which, by their nature, are subject to the action of multiple stakeholders. At the collective level, decision-making occurs in the context of processes involving local governments, other state agencies, NGOs and various interest groups present in the city. Each of these actors has its own vision on the role of urban vegetation, their preferences and criteria for the selection and management. This study aims to investigate the processes of decision-making responsible for the current composition of the vegetation in public spaces of the Metropolitan Area of Santiago (MAS). Through this research is expected to identify the criteria for the selection of species to be planted in public spaces, the reasons that explain the predominance of certain species, and the difference between parks managed by different public agencies in MAS. The research assumes that the various public and private actors involved in the planting and management of vegetation in public spaces, act guided by criteria and preferences that are finally expressed in the observed patterns of urban vegetation. For this purpose, the conceptual framework of governance is used, understood as the process of decision-making concerning public affairs, which involves multiple agents or interests including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups. The overarching objectives of this Thesis are: a) To contribute to the knowledge of interactions between governance system and urban vegetation patterns in metropolitan areas of developing countries, recognizing both social and environmental processes interacting. b) Contribute to urban planning and policies by generating knowledge relevant to decision- making regarding urban vegetation. A robust knowledge of the factors defining the composition and structure of urban vegetation is essential to design effective policies for increasing vegetation cover, with consequent environmental and social benefits.

The aim of the thesis is to obtain a better understanding of the importance of parks for urban quality, particularly for safety. This is achieved in two ways; first, by assessing parks’ impact on the perceived quality of the urban environment (whether it is incorporated into housing prices or not) in Stockholm. Second, the study investigates whether safety in parks may be assessed using principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) using a high-crime park in Stockholm’s inner city. The thesis starts with an introduction to the theme, with a brief discussion of background theory, literature review, the study area and the methods. Then, it reports the results of the articles included in the thesis and discusses their main contributions to the field of research. A mixed methods approach utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Regression models and a Geographic Information System (GIS) were used in Paper I, which aims to clarify how park proximity affects housing prices and, when considering residential properties and park type, how crime rates in parks affect housing prices. Findings show that the further away an apartment is located from a park, the higher the discount on its price effect, but this effect (dependent on the park type), as an accumulated measure of parks, lowers prices or is negligible. Paper II assesses the use and adequacy of CPTED principles to guide the assessment of safety conditions of an urban park. The historical development of CPTED is presented followed by an analysis of a case study, Tantolunden, in Stockholm. Site observations, crime mapping, people count and interviews were conducted. Results show many entrances in this particular park defy the principles of access control and in turn impose limitations on park maintenance. Findings also show that interrupted sight lines create limited surveillance. The paper concludes by identifying the potentialities and challenges of CPTED principles when applied to safety in parks. Findings presented in this thesis are relevant for many stakeholders in society as results show the variation in crime and safety in urban parks, and the way they can be assessed and tackled. / <p>QC 20151023</p> / Safety for whom? Housing market, safety and distributive justice

Peoples migration from the countryside to the cities has reorganized our movement pattern, and in our everyday lives, nature has been replaced by the city center. Research, on the other hand, shows that staying in natural areas brings a number of health benefits, both physically and mentally. Becuase of that, parks and green spaces have become increasingly noticed in today's society, especially during the Corona pandemic with its limited freedom of movement. Due to the health benefits of parks and green spaces, it is very important that people feel safe when staying in these areas. A group of people who statistically feel more insecure are women and older people. This study will focus on how older people experience security in parks and green areas. The purpose is mainly to find out which factors are perceived as safe and unsafe for older people, as well as how the experience of security affects their movement patterns. The collection of materials were made with the help of semi-structured interviews, and the results were analyzed on the basis of a thematic analysis. Initially, the respondents claim that they don’t feel any significant insecurity, but at the same time they adapt their everyday lives to avoid unsafe environments, which indicates a basic insecurity. The factors that affect the security experience are primarily linked to the need for control. The interviewees describe that they want control over the environment to feel safe. Among the most prominent factors are lighting, social presence and opportunity to orientate. In conclusion, it can also be pointed out that security is a clearly subjective experience, what is experienced as unsafe for one person does not have to be experienced in the same way by another person.

Age-friendly parks support older adults' health as places for urban outdoor recreation when more remote nature becomes inaccessible. I analyzed data from a previous survey (n = 266) to explore factors important for older adults' nature experience knowledge to find essential features of age-friendly park design. The data from the survey showed that many older adults had a functional impairment. Still, they used nature areas within walking distance for peace and tranquility and valued age-friendly design features. I also performed semi-structured interviews with planners (n = 6) at Östersund Municipality, Sweden, to understand how their work was affected as the proportion of older adults increased. The planners emphasized supporting older adults' independence through cross sectoral projects and more collaboration between public, private, and non-profit actors. Findings were discussed and implemented into Badhusparken and Surfbukten, urban green spaces in Östersund, to understand planning in practice and park features needed to support age-friendly outdoor recreation. My conclusion was that features regarding age-friendly parks are complex and equal participation is an issue that requires more interdisciplinary research, especially regarding possibilities with age-friendly projects and networks as ways to overcome challenges with an aging population. / <p>2023-06-09</p>

Urbanization and population growth necessitate an increased presence of green spaces in urban settings to uphold the well-being and health of residents. Outdoor environments with green spaces have shown positive effects on our mental and physical health by reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Understanding how outdoor environments are perceived on university campuses can contribute to more effective health promotion efforts across all campus areas in Sweden. This study aims to investigate how outdoor environments on campus are experienced and can be designed to promote health and social sustainability. Data for this study was collected through a survey targeting both students and employees at Umeå University. The findings reveal that green spaces are highly valued in terms of attractiveness and appreciation. The study identifies seasonal variations in usage and highlights certain factors, such as relaxation and proximity to water, as particularly significant. These green spaces provide opportunities for relaxation, nature experiences, and seating areas, contributing to a positive and enjoyable environment for the campus community. In conclusion, the results of the survey indicate that the green spaces on Umeå University's campus are attractive and significant according to the respondents. Therefore, it is important to continue investing in green areas and green spaces to promote a healthy and welcoming environment for all who reside and work on campus.