Assessing availability, distribution equity and accessibility of urban green spaces: a GIS-based framework

Purpose Over the last decades, Tirana has undergone continuous urban development, leading to denser urban fabric and a reduction in existing urban green spaces (UGS). This study examines the present distribution of UGS in Tirana and establishes a method for identifying suitable areas for future urban greenery. Design/methodology/approach The research begins by documenting the existing UGS using a combination of OpenStreetMap data and NDVI analysis. A service area network analysis is employed to assess UGS accessibility based on travel distance and time, and to identify areas that are unreachable. A multicriteria overlay suitability analysis is conducted to identify potential locations for new urban green spaces, and an accessibility analysis is performed to assess changes in the served area and verify the suitability of the proposed green spaces. Findings The NDVI analysis indicates that vegetation covers 29% of Tirana, while the thematic map illustrates that classified urban green spaces occupy only 11% of the city’s surface. The accessibility analysis shows that currently, half of the city is not served by UGS. This study implements a method to identify new locations for urban parks and pocket gardens. Evaluation results reveal that with the new UGS, approximately 2% of Tirana remains unserved, a significant improvement from the initial 52% unserved areas. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on green spaces located within Tirana’s administrative borders. For more precise results, peri-urban areas can be incorporated into the analysis. Originality/value This study presents a GIS-based framework for UGS allocation, classification, and distribution analysis. It emphasizes the need to address the uneven distribution of green spaces within the city and provides a decision-making tool for future urban planning initiatives.