Mironova E.E. GIS MODELING OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE OF MEDITERRANEAN CITIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF URBANIZED ECOSYSTEMS // Arid ecosystems. 2021. V. 27. № 2 (87). P. 41-48 | PDF

The article discusses methodological approaches to the assessment of the spatial configuration and structure of green spaces and fragments of the natural landscape (a case of Malaga, Spain). Modern GIS modeling techniques are applied to assess Malaga’s green infrastructure in terms of configuration, fragmentation, and spatial structure of green spaces (using GuidosToolBox software). The method of Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) focuses on the geometry and connectivity of the components based on the raster image of the study area, and can automatically identify ecological corridors of different sizes, as well as further rank them within the network, thereby making it possible to assess the connectivity of the natural framework of the city. As a result of MSPA, the main cores and islands of green infrastructure, as well as ecological corridors are identified; the assessment of the connectivity and fragmentation of green spaces is made. The results obtained can be used as an example of a study to determine the priority areas of the green infrastructure network, which are simultaneously important both for the conservation of biodiversity and for the development of recreational and aesthetic qualities of green spaces.

Keywords: urban green infrastructure, GIS modeling, connectivity, fragmentation of green areas, MSPA.

DOI: 10.24411/1993-3916-2021-10149