Use of Geospatial Analytics in Quantifying Forests, Green Space and Human Behaviors and Attitudes
About
Researchers at the College of Natural Resources are working with a variety of stakeholders on public lands and open spaces to use geospatial technologies to understand the interplay between forests, green spaces and human behaviors. Efforts range from satellite tree canopy surveys to viewshed analysis across a variety of locations.
The overall goal of this project is to understand and increase human health and well-being. In the Carolinas, researchers are collaborating with local park districts to annotate use of open space by families to note where children and families are active within parks and what spaces are underperforming. In eastern North Carolina, citizen science and geospatial analytics are being combined to build resilience in the face of more severe hurricanes.
This project also includes the development and testing of a “Park Prescription” platform to support doctors’ recommendations for increased activity to patients who are at-risk or diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. The platform provides information about local parks and programs to encourage users to spend time outdoors to improve their health and well-being.
PIs:
J. Aaron Hipp (Director)
Bethany Cutts
Jelena Vukomanovic
Oriol Marquet
Collaboration
Researchers are collaborating with stakeholders on Johns Island in South Carolina to understand and model land-use change effects by climate, urbanization and second home development. Leading edge tools are facilitating measurement and modeling of ongoing human-environment interactions.
Impact
This project will help increase individual health and better use of public parks and green spaces.
- 8,369 – The greatest increase in daily steps by patients who are prescribed activity in parks.
- 26 – Stakeholders attended workshops to map the natural, cultural and at-risk resources of Johns Island, SC.
- 50 – Reference atlases were distributed to local stakeholders and community partners.
A McIntire-Stennis supported project
About McIntire-Stennis
The McIntire-Stennis program, a unique federal-state partnership, cultivates and delivers forestry and natural resource innovations for a better future. By advancing research and education that increases the understanding of emerging challenges and fosters the development of relevant solutions, the McIntire-Stennis program has ensured healthy resilient forests and communities and an exceptional natural resources workforce since 1962.