EXAMINATION OF THE GREEN SPACES BASED ON SPATIAL SUFFICIENCY AND ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH GIS

Ecologically and socio-economically beneficial to cities, and covering a large fragment of land use pattern in developed countries, the green areas are under risk of zoning for building due to rapid and unplanned urbanization, policies aiming at rent and non-applicable zoning ordinances. Sufficiency of active green areas is validated with the standards of 10 m2 minimum green area per person in the Spatial Plans Regulation. While analyzing the green areas for recreational needs in the city, in addition to the spatial extent, some other criteria as the population served, location, walking distance, walking time, variety, functionality and aesthetics should also be taken into the account. Thus demands for improving the life quality in any terms in cities can be met and citizens are satisfied by a systematical planning of the green areas in accordance with these criteria. In this study, existing active green spaces in Avc1lar district, which is located at western part of Istanbul, were evaluated in terms of their spatial extent, area per capita and accessibility regarding their service domains. The relationship between population density, active green areas and their service domains were examined using spatial analyses methods provided by the use of geographic information technologies. The results of the study outlined that the active green area per capita in Avcllar is 1.8 m2, significantly lower value than the accepted standards. Additionally, spatial extent of the active green areas is insufficient and their locations are messy with limited functionalities. The results clearly introduced that a comprehensive planning of green areas is urgently required in Avc1lar for improving the prosperity of the local population.