GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas

Progressing urbanization has significantly altered urban landscapes, leading to changes in land use and the structure of surface permeability. This study introduces a novel Geographic Information System (GIS)-based framework for assessing spatial changes and identifying priority locations for the im...

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Main Authors: Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka, Paweł Burandt, Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Ecological Indicators
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X2500648X
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author Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka
Paweł Burandt
Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk
author_facet Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka
Paweł Burandt
Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk
author_sort Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka
collection DOAJ
description Progressing urbanization has significantly altered urban landscapes, leading to changes in land use and the structure of surface permeability. This study introduces a novel Geographic Information System (GIS)-based framework for assessing spatial changes and identifying priority locations for the implementation of blue-green infrastructure (BGI). We have developed the LUSIA (Land Use Indicator Analysis) method, employing user-defined mathematical algorithms in Python to compute five indicators: I_LU (Land Use), I_IMP (Imperviousness), I_BH (Building Height), I_BD (Building Density), and I_EX (Low-priority Areas). These indicators aim to delineate essential characteristics of land use patterns, sealing density, building density, and areas excluded from development. Applied to Olsztyn, NE Poland, LUSIA proved its capacity to identify short-term shifts in the urban landscape conducive to BGI application. The analysis highlighted a reduction in surface permeability driven by urban expansion from 2006 to 2018. Advocating for the integration of BGI solutions—such as rain gardens, green roofs, green walls, and permeable pavements—to bolster urban resilience, LUSIA identified prime locations for deploying specific BGI components. The findings suggest that BGI implementation could potentially “unseal” and green about 23% of the Olsztyn area, especially within residential zones. Our research indicates that strategic BGI placement can markedly aid in stormwater management, biodiversity enhancement, and the overall improvement of urban life quality. This study emphasizes the critical role of sustainable urban planning in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ongoing urbanization.
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spelling doaj-art-3f2caca7687543a2b7a419bd9dfd319d2025-08-20T02:35:56ZengElsevierEcological Indicators1470-160X2025-07-0117611371810.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113718GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areasEwelina Pochodyła-Ducka0Paweł Burandt1Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk2Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawochenskiego 17, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; Corresponding author.Department of Water Management and Climatology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Lodzki 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, PolandDepartment of Water Management and Climatology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Lodzki 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, PolandProgressing urbanization has significantly altered urban landscapes, leading to changes in land use and the structure of surface permeability. This study introduces a novel Geographic Information System (GIS)-based framework for assessing spatial changes and identifying priority locations for the implementation of blue-green infrastructure (BGI). We have developed the LUSIA (Land Use Indicator Analysis) method, employing user-defined mathematical algorithms in Python to compute five indicators: I_LU (Land Use), I_IMP (Imperviousness), I_BH (Building Height), I_BD (Building Density), and I_EX (Low-priority Areas). These indicators aim to delineate essential characteristics of land use patterns, sealing density, building density, and areas excluded from development. Applied to Olsztyn, NE Poland, LUSIA proved its capacity to identify short-term shifts in the urban landscape conducive to BGI application. The analysis highlighted a reduction in surface permeability driven by urban expansion from 2006 to 2018. Advocating for the integration of BGI solutions—such as rain gardens, green roofs, green walls, and permeable pavements—to bolster urban resilience, LUSIA identified prime locations for deploying specific BGI components. The findings suggest that BGI implementation could potentially “unseal” and green about 23% of the Olsztyn area, especially within residential zones. Our research indicates that strategic BGI placement can markedly aid in stormwater management, biodiversity enhancement, and the overall improvement of urban life quality. This study emphasizes the critical role of sustainable urban planning in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ongoing urbanization.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X2500648X
spellingShingle Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka
Paweł Burandt
Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk
GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
Ecological Indicators
title GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
title_full GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
title_fullStr GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
title_full_unstemmed GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
title_short GIS-based framework for assessing priority locations for blue-green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
title_sort gis based framework for assessing priority locations for blue green infrastructure implementation in urban areas
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X2500648X
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