Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure refers to the strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas, designed features, and management practices that use vegetation, soils, and natural processes to deliver ecosystem services in urban environments. Unlike conventional gray infrastructure that relies on pipes and concrete, green infrastructure works with nature to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and enhance community well-being. GISGISGeographic Information Systems (GIS) enable users to analyze and visualize spatial data to uncover patterns, relation...-based suitability analysisSuitability AnalysisSuitability analysis evaluates geographic locations against multiple criteria to determine how well each area meets t... identifies optimal locations for green infrastructure installations by evaluating factors like drainage patterns, soil infiltration capacity, impervious surface coverage, heat vulnerability, and proximity to environmental justice communities. Remote sensingRemote SensingRemote sensing is the science of collecting data about Earth's surface without direct physical contact, primarily usi... tracks urban canopy cover, pervious surface area, and green space distribution across neighborhoods. Cost-benefit analysis compares green infrastructure investments against conventional alternatives, accounting for co-benefits like increased property values and reduced energy costs. Applications include urban tree planting programs guided by canopy gap analysis, bioswale and rain garden placement along high-runoff corridors, green roof incentive programs targeting buildings in heat-vulnerable areas, and urban park planning that maximizes access for underserved populations. Cities increasingly integrate green infrastructure into climate adaptation strategies, recognizing its role in building resilience against extreme heat, flooding, and air quality degradation.