Can you see green or blue? On the necessity of visibility analysis of urban open spaces using Remote Sensing techniques and Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

The ongoing trend towards urbanization and the consequences of socio-demographic and climate change are increasing the pressure on cities worldwide. The planning of green and blue spaces is essential for a sustainable urban development. In this context, visibility analyses of urban open spaces are a helpful tool for planning and evaluation of spatial changes in cities. The visibility of urban open spaces supports the health of urban dwellers and their possibilities of participation during urban planning processes. Visibility of green and blue spaces is relevant for values of real estate or rent at the local level, while at the global level it influences the urban design and promote competition. Visual results can promote collaboration of different stakeholders and enable a socio-spatial equitable planning of urban open spaces. Visibility analyses for urban open spaces have been developed for two spatial levels (building level and street level) and make use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). To create a long-term evaluation and planning basis for the development of green and blue spaces regarding their visibility potential, a visibility analysis of urban open spaces in the city region of Cologne will be executed.