Spatial Analysis and GIS Mapping of Public Parks Adequacy: A Case Study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Public parks play an important role in determining the quality of life in any modern city. A close and accessible public park is considered to be an important feature of a city as it has many positive impacts on people’s health, as well as offering a sustainable environment. As one of the Middle East’s largest capital cities, Riyadh is growing and expanding rapidly in terms of area and population. To date, little research has been conducted to determine the accessibility and adequacy of public parks, particularly in those areas that do not have ready access to them. This study develops a new measurement approach that examines this issue in terms of the various administrative areas and suburbs of Riyadh. The results of spatial data analysis may benefit the development of areas that have inadequate public parks, among other issues, taking into consideration their geographic location, administrative areas, suburb sizes, and population density. The features of the various administrative areas and suburbs will be compared and conclusions drawn.