Green, Green Grass of Home: A GIS-Based Analysis of Greenspace Accessibility in Quezon City

Abstract. Urban greenspace provision in Quezon City is uneven, producing environmental inequities despite the existence of relatively large green areas. Using a GIS-based network analysis aligned with a modified Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt), this study quantifies barangay-level accessibility to three greenspace types according to size [< 2 hectare greenspaces (Type 1 Greenspace), 2 ≤ X < 20 hectare greenspaces (Type 2 Greenspace) and ≥ 20 hectare greenspaces (Type 3 Greenspace)]. OpenStreetMap land use and roads, Project MapABLE tree cover, QCPDAD park points, and NAMRIA boundaries were integrated to create access points (160 meter spacings for open greenspaces or designated entrances) and service area isochrones (560 m, 750 m, 2,000 m) in QGIS 3.32 and intersect service areas with barangay polygons to identify deficits. Results show Type 1 greenspaces appear in 51 barangays, Type 2 in 43, and Type 3 in only 19. Conversely, 25, 56, and 90 barangays lack access to Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 greenspaces, respectively. Another key revelation is the inadequacy of greenspaces per person in several barangays, indicating potential disparities in greenspace provisions. These nuanced findings emphasize the need for targeted urban planning strategies to address disparities and ensure a more equitable and sustainable greenspace environment, considering both the prevalence and accessibility of different greenspace types within the urban landscape.