Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Geography and Environment

Supervisor

Lee, Jinhyung

2nd Supervisor

Wang, Jinfei

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Healthy cities provide physical and mental health benefits to citizens. To promote scientific transportation and land use planning for healthy cities, robust geospatial methods are required. This thesis introduces two new geospatial methods to facilitate healthy transportation and land use planning. First, to help healthy land use planning, a new analytical framework for identifying green space deserts based on various walking distance thresholds is introduced. This method is particularly useful in low-middle-income countries in the Global South where guidelines for proper walking distance thresholds to green spaces are missing. Second, to aid healthy transportation planning, a new measure of transit-based accessibility is proposed to incorporate transit users' exposure to extreme weather events. This measure will enhance the preparedness of our society and transportation systems for climate change. Together, the two geospatial methods developed in this thesis will guide informed policymaking efforts to make our world more liveable, sustainable, and healthier.

Summary for Lay Audience

Healthy cities prioritize public health through various means such as providing accessible green spaces, promoting physical activity, and minimizing negative health outcomes for citizens. This research highlights the importance of scientific and evidence-based land use and transportation planning as a key strategy in fostering healthy cities. By contributing to the ongoing challenges of healthy city development this thesis introduces two geospatial methods to advance healthy land use and transportation planning, aligning with the objectives of creating healthy cities. First, in order to help healthy land use planning, a new analytical framework for identifying urban green space deserts and oases based on various walking distance thresholds is introduced. This new method is particularly useful in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South where well-established guidelines for proper walking distance thresholds to urban green space are missing. This method will also help us understand the inequalities in green space distribution in the cities of the Global South. Second, to aid healthy transportation planning, a new measure of transit-based accessibility is proposed to incorporate public transit users’ exposure to extreme weather events such as extreme heat or cold. This new accessibility measure will enhance the resilience and preparedness of our society and transportation systems under climate change. Together, these two newly developed methods serve as strategic tools to support the creation of healthier cities, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based and healthy planning in achieving positive public health outcomes and making our world more livable, sustainable, and healthier.

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