https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/3518912-making-cities-green-using-digital-technology/
https://www.ctc-n.org/technologies/integration-green-spaces-planning
Pixabay
We are a part of nature, and studies have shown that the absence of green spaces in cities contributes to depression and feelings of detachment. Green spaces also help property values in cities, help with water management and improve the image of a city but they must be continuously monitored and managed. Technology including the myriad of sensors and monitors on the internet of things (IOT) are helping landscape architects and city planners to optimize green spaces.
Landscape design and architecture is a civil engineering discipline that can be enhanced with technology. Monitoring the health of forests in dense urban areas is key to maintaining the green spaces that make a difference. Green spaces are areas where plants dominate the landscape and they include parks and inter-urban forested areas.
Monitors can be deployed into urban forests where air pollution, water quality issues and vandalism contribute to a decline in forest quality. Green spaces reduce heat from the heat island effect, and in conjunction with porous pavement technology can manage runoff and reduce overall noise in the area as well. Proper placement of parks, green spaces and landscape management can help planners make positive gains for urban communities.
Knowing the positive implications of green space management in urban areas, technology can help and investment in both green spaces and monitoring technology is essential. Key areas of investment urban communities should make include a robust landscape engineering department supported by a civil engineering and planning department to ensure green spaces are placed in viable areas. Monitoring technologies that can gage the health of vegetation and pollution in soils due to chemical runoff and automobile usage should be deployed. Satellite images can be analyzed for signs of optimal areas to place green spaces and artificial intelligence can be used to monitor trends in green space growth and health.
Green spaces are a net positive for urban areas, and should be nurtured and monitored. Expect support for these areas and technology that supports them to grow in the years ahead.
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