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

Yiwen Sun, Hang Li, Xianhua Guo and Chao Gao ()
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Yiwen Sun: School of Humanities, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710061, 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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-30

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.

Keywords: urban planning; environmental equity; park accessibility; multi-modal transportation; spatial analysis; 3SFCA method; vulnerable populations; sustainable development; 15-min city (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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