Developing GIS-Based Mobile Applications for Urban Green Space Accessibility Analysis

Thesis Abstract

Urban green spaces are integral to enhancing the quality of life in rapidly growing cities, yet access disparities often hinder equitable utilization, thereby necessitating innovative solutions for spatial analysis and planning. This study aims to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mobile application to facilitate real-time analysis of green space accessibility within urban environments, targeting city planners, policymakers, and residents. The specific objectives include (1) assessing the spatial distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces; (2) designing and implementing a user-friendly GIS-enabled mobile application for green space data collection and accessibility analysis; (3) evaluating the application's effectiveness in improving green space accessibility awareness; and (4) providing policy recommendations based on spatial analysis findings. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative usability assessment. The primary population comprises urban residents and local government officials in a metropolitan city with an estimated population of 3 million, from which a stratified random sample of 500 residents and 30 officials will be selected. Data collection instruments include GPS-enabled mobile survey forms, participatory mapping sessions, structured questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. Secondary data comprises existing spatial datasets on green space locations, land use, and demographic distributions, sourced from municipal GIS repositories. The mobile application will integrate ArcGIS API and open-source mapping libraries to enable spatial data collection, analysis, and visualization. Quantitative data analysis will employ spatial statistical techniques—including nearest neighbor analysis, kernel density estimation, and network analysis—to evaluate green space accessibility levels. Regression analysis will explore relationships between demographic variables and accessibility patterns, while usability testing of the mobile application will encompass task completion times, error rates, and user satisfaction surveys analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis will interpret qualitative feedback obtained from interview data, and data validity and reliability will be ensured via test-retest procedures, pilot testing, and triangulation. Expected key findings include detailed spatial distribution maps revealing accessibility inequities, identification of underserved neighborhoods, and insights into barriers to green space utilization. The mobile application is anticipated to demonstrate high user acceptance and operational reliability, providing dynamic visualization tools that offer detailed spatial reports to urban planners and residents. The study posits that integrating GIS technology with mobile data collection can significantly enhance green space planning, promote equitable access, and foster community engagement. This research significantly contributes to knowledge by presenting an innovative, scalable GIS-based mobile solution tailored for urban green space accessibility analysis in developing and developed city contexts. It extends existing literature on spatial equity, participatory GIS, and mobile GIS applications by providing empirical evidence on usability, technical feasibility, and policy relevance. The theoretical underpinning draws upon the Theory of Planned Behavior to interpret user acceptance and the Spatial Equity Framework to assess distributional justice in access. The study concludes that GIS-enabled mobile applications constitute a vital tool for improving urban green space management and fostering inclusive urban environments. Recommendations include mainstreaming mobile GIS tools in city planning practices, enhancing data sharing among stakeholders, and encouraging community participation in green space monitoring. Future research avenues suggest longitudinal studies to assess the impact of mobile GIS interventions over time and adaptation of the application for other urban amenities. This work underscores the importance of technological integration in advancing sustainable urban development and equitable resource distribution.