Modeling potential tree belt functions in rural landscapes using a new GIS tool

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Geographic Information Systems

Background:

• Increasing human impact necessitates environmental protection strategies.
• Linear woody vegetation networks (greenways, tree belts) offer ecological and economic benefits for sustainable development.
• Designing effective greenway networks requires evaluating natural conditions and environmental degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel computer modeling system, tree belt modeling (TBM), for assessing greenway function potential.
• To integrate cadastral data for precise greenway planning linked to property boundaries.
• To automate the analysis and planning process for optimal greenway structures.

Main Methods:

• Development of the tree belt modeling (TBM) system.
• Application of cadastral datasets for spatial analysis.
• Implementation of TBM into an ArcGIS toolbox for automated geodatabase creation.

Main Results:

• The TBM system quantifies the availability of greenway functions within potential network sites.
• A geodatabase of tree belt functions was generated, identifying suitable areas for afforestation.
• The methodology allows results to be directly related to specific land parcels.

Conclusions:

• The TBM system enhances the methodological and technological effectiveness of greenway planning.
• This approach significantly contributes to more efficient sustainable development activities.
• Automated analysis using TBM and cadastral data optimizes the design of greenway networks.