Date of Graduation

Spring 2019

Degree

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Department

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Committee Chair

Judith Meyer

Abstract

This study applies theoretical findings relating greenway trail viewshed characteristics to a proposed greenway trail. Utilizing geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques, this study compares the viewshed characteristics of two proposed routes to connect an existent greenway trail system to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Greene County, MO. Light Detection and Ranging data is then used to map the viewshed of each route and calculate the openness and interconnectedness of each viewshed. High-resolution multispectral imagery is then used to calculate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index measuring the “greenness” within each viewshed. Finally, parcel-level land use data is used to calculate the diversity of land use within each viewshed. The values from these measurements are then compared between the two routes to determine the potential for each in promoting increased trail use. The study sheds light on the uncertainties and limitations of applying these geospatial techniques to not-yet-existent trails, but the outcomes are promising. Even without further research, this study shows that objective viewshed criteria can be gathered to help inform greenway planning and development. This research aids planners by demonstrating methods for evaluating potential greenway trail construction sites remotely. This research also provides researchers with an applied case study adding to the existing body of literature.

Keywords

greenway trails, linear parks, GIS, LiDAR, viewshed characteristics

Subject Categories

Geographic Information Sciences | Remote Sensing | Spatial Science

Copyright

© Aric Addison Beehler

Download

Open Access

Share

COinS