GIS BASED ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE BENEFITS OF GREEN AREAS IN THE URBAN CORE (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE VIHARA MAHA DEVI PARK IN COLOMBO)

N.P.A.A.M.Wimalasiri, G.P.T.S.Hemakumara

Abstract: This research deals with the benefits of green spaces in urban areas. In order to get the priorities right in urban planning, it is necessary to begin the process by identifying the factors that will deliver the benefits of greenery as a first step, since sufficient research has not been done in this area. The benefits conferred by green spaces were studied using data collected from a basic questionnaire survey, as well as from interviews conducted with visitors to the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo. Information on the distribution of plots with vegetation inside the park was marked on a map. Statistical analysis techniques based on multiple logistic regression were employed to discover whether there was any connection between potential predictor factors and the benefits of spaces in cities containing trees and plants, as these could provide a venue for physical activities and relaxation by the city dwellers. From the results it is evident that both personal and environmental factors play a part in the benefits derived from the presence of greenery in cities. Several factors relating to the visitors such as their age, education and the presence of young children in the family appear to have a connection with their visits to these parks. The picture becomes clearer if the respondents are classified into six groups, based on certain distinct characteristics that seem to go with particular patterns of use. Distance, travelling cost, heat problems, health related problems, monthly income and house conditions are the six variables that will be analyzed. According to the results of the analysis we can see that it is mostly the local residents who come to the green areas. Short travelling time and lower travelling cost are the main reasons for the higher numbers of local people. Another reason is that many people come to this area for their health related activities. Among them nearly all visitors are local residents. Outside visitors rarely come to this green area. Those who do, mainly visit for leisure activities. The survey also found temperature differences between the inside and outside of the park. According to the analysis, many people like to spend their leisure time inside the green area as it has a cool environment. Therefore, it is intended to use strategies adapted to suit local conditions and this will be followed up by making anin-depth study of both the neighborhood residents and the availability of green spaces to identify the main underlying factors. During the course of this project a few tools were developed that will facilitate in carrying out the analysis.

Keywords: Global Information System, Inverse Distance Weighted

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0509056