Assessing open space provision using network analysis Available to Purchase

Local authorities are gathering increasing amounts of information relating to open space within the urban environment. Information on extent, type, distribution and quality of spaces has led to more understanding about the spaces themselves. However, this information alone is not enough to ensure that open spaces meet the needs of the communities that they serve. The spatial relationship between an open space and the people it serves must be understood to ensure it meets the needs of the community. There are two main methodologies that can be employed when analysing access to open space – Euclidean (as the crow flies) distances or network analysis, which involves modelling real-world networks and the movement of people through them. Although network analysis is far more accurate, it has been rarely used for open space management because it takes more time to implement. Recent work carried out for two Scottish councils employed network analysis when carrying out quantitative analyses of access to open space. When combined with other data relating to type, quality and population, a clear picture emerges of the state of open space provision within each community.