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Bridging the Green Space Divide: A Big Data-Driven Analysis of Park Accessibility Inequities in Chinese Megacities Using Enhanced 3SFCA Modeling

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  • Yiwen Sun

    (School of Humanities, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404020, China)

  • Hang Li

    (Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404020, China)

  • Xianhua Guo

    (Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404020, China)

  • Chao Gao

    (School of Humanities, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710061, China
    School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany)

Abstract

This study enhances our understanding of urban park accessibility and social equity through a novel methodological framework in Chengdu, China. By improving the three-step floating catchment area (3SFCA) method with space syntax metrics and multi-modal transportation analysis, we identify spatial disparities in green space access. Our methodology, validated with Baidu heat map data, demonstrates improved accuracy in estimating population demand patterns. Key findings include: (1) The enhanced 3SFCA method outperforms traditional approaches in predicting park accessibility, providing reliable evidence for urban planning; (2) significant accessibility disparities exist across transportation modes, particularly affecting non-motorized transport users; (3) newly developed areas show greater park access inequities than established neighborhoods; (4) important mismatches exist between park accessibility and vulnerable population distributions. This research provides targeted recommendations for reducing spatial inequities and improving green space access for all residents, particularly benefiting children and elderly populations in rapidly urbanizing contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiwen Sun & Hang Li & Xianhua Guo & Chao Gao, 2025. "Bridging the Green Space Divide: A Big Data-Driven Analysis of Park Accessibility Inequities in Chinese Megacities Using Enhanced 3SFCA Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-30, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2059-:d:1601367
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lin Zhang & Suhong Zhou & Mei-Po Kwan & Fei Chen & Rongping Lin, 2018. "Impacts of Individual Daily Greenspace Exposure on Health Based on Individual Activity Space and Structural Equation Modeling," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, October.
    2. Millward, Hugh & Spinney, Jamie & Scott, Darren, 2013. "Active-transport walking behavior: destinations, durations, distances," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 101-110.
    3. Yenisetty, Pavan Teja & Bahadure, Pankaj, 2021. "Assessing accessibility to ASFs from bus stops using distance measures: Case of two Indian cities," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
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