Ecocity mapping using GIS: introducing a planning method for assessing and improving neighborhood vitality

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning
• Public Health
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Background:

• Neighborhood vitality is crucial for improving quality of life and health outcomes.
• The ecocity model emphasizes walkable urban environments integrated with natural systems.
• Ecocity mapping, a novel planning approach, was piloted in Oakland, California, leveraging geographic information systems (GIS) for community engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess neighborhood vitality and identify community health intervention sites using GIS-based ecocity mapping.
• To develop scenario maps for community health planning and sustainable urban development.

Main Methods:

• Ecocity mapping assessed neighborhood vitality by analyzing proximity to essential services (parks, schools, transit, stores) from fall 2007 to summer 2008.
• In 2008, maps were shared with residents to co-create a neighborhood health and sustainability plan.
• In 2009, scenario maps were developed to illustrate environmental improvements and enhanced access to services.

Main Results:

• GIS mapping of neighborhood vitality was enhanced by community input for site selection.
• Scenario maps effectively visualized potential improvements in air quality and access to amenities.
• Resident engagement focused on long-term environmental goals when immediate needs were addressed.

Conclusions:

• Community organizing integrated with GIS significantly improved site selection for health interventions.
• GIS-based scenario mapping is a valuable tool for visualizing sustainable urban development, especially when informed by local knowledge.
• Successful community planning requires balancing immediate resident needs with long-term environmental sustainability goals.