Rising temperatures and minimal shade coverage offer little escape from the sweltering heat some citizens endure in cities throughout the world.

For the attention of: Municipal managers, local communities, non-profits, landscape architects and city governments

The problem: In South African cities, increasing temperatures and minimal shade coverage offer little escape from the sweltering heat some citizens endure in their commutes. Researchers are finding that there is a disproportionate amount of shade coverage in certain areas, drawing concerns that the distribution of shade is not equitable.

What we did and why: In this study, we measure tree equity analysis in two South African cities. The study then uses GIS-based Multi-criteria Decision Analysis for identifying and prioritizing tree planting sites in order to promote equitable access to tree canopy coverage across a city.

What our study adds: Tracking larger social and environmental changes due to conservation and reforestation efforts is an important element of using GIS. Planted trees in the prioritised areas can be recorded on the GIS system, and the city can audit and monitor success rates.

  • Uses GIS-based Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to prioritise new tree planting locations at the census sub-place level.
  • Equity, vulnerability, and the environment are the three sub-place objectives on which the criteria are based.
  • In this regard, tree planting places will be prioritised considering the advantages of tree planting based on where the benefits of trees are most needed and have the most community benefit in relation to the study sub-pace objectives.

Implications for city policy and practice: Financial sustainability and resilience can be achieved by planting native, drought resistant, and exotic trees adapted to the local environment.

  • Tracking larger social and environmental changes due to conservation and reforestation efforts is an important element of using GIS. Planted trees in the prioritised areas can be recorded on the GIS system, and the city can audit and monitor success rates.
  • Financial sustainability and resilience can be achieved by planting native, drought-resistant, and exotic trees adapted to the local environment.

Full research article: Using spatial analytics to model tree planting priorities in two South African cities of Bloemfontein and Kimberley by Tabaro H. Kabanda & Amanda N. Gumede.