Abstract
Green spaces play an important role in providing ecosystem services such as air purification, temperature regulation, and recreational opportunities; however, their unequal distribution often highlights environmental inequities. This study examines the spatial distribution of green space coverage across the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus to identify areas with limited access, termed Equity Initiative Zones (EIZs). A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology was employed, integrating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, green space data, a pedestrian walkway dataset, and a hexagonal grid framework to analyze pedestrian accessibility to green spaces using service area analysis, and to identify green space diversity and spatial equity disparities through statistical analysis. Results revealed that while the UBC campus has an average of 37.8% green space and 46.7% tree canopy coverage, approximately 6% of the campus falls within EIZs, primarily in northeast areas near academic buildings and parking lots—with mean green space coverage of approximately 1.8%. A moderate negative correlation between distance to green spaces and canopy coverage (r = −0.25, p = 1.96 × 10⁻⁷) suggested reduced canopy coverage in areas further away from green spaces. Additionally, green space diversity analysis showed that high-traffic areas like the academic zones are dominated by homogenized lawns, whereas peripheral areas such as those near the UBC Farm exhibit greater diversity. These findings highlight environmental inequities where EIZs may experience diminished access to ecosystem benefits, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions such as tree planting or the creation of pocket parks to promote a sustainable and inclusive campus environment.
MGEM Student: Daisy Mboya
Key words: Green space
Explore this project
Download the final report and data
Cite this project
Mboya, Daisy, 2025, “Mapping Equity Access to Green Spaces Across The University of British Columbia Vancouver Campus“, https://doi.org/10.5683/SP3/8ZOPAQ, Borealis, V1