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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

  • Health Equity Framework Homepage
  • Strategies
  • Indicators
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The Number of Trees Per Square Kilometer

The total number of trees in an area indicates the amount of green space in that location. This indicator can then estimate how much green space there is for each person by determining the average number of trees per person in a given area. Tree cover is important in green space; they reduce noise and air pollution, provide shade and shelter, regulate temperature and reduce the risk of flooding. Hence, the more the number of trees, the higher the green space in an area.1

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Remote sensing is the most commonly used method of counting trees. This technique stores data on the counted number of trees, which is then made accessible to the public. However, there are different methods of assessing this remotely sensed data: LiDAR, satellite images, UAV/drone images, and terrestrial photogrammetry.2

Examples

Would you be happier living in a greener urban area?

A recent study found that people living in areas with more trees and green space are happier and healthier than those without. In the study, conducted by the University of Exeter, the data was derived from the Generalized Land Use Database, which classifies land use at high geographical resolution. The findings of the study suggested that people are happier when living in urban areas with greater amounts of green space compared to living in areas with less green space. The researchers found that people who lived in neighborhoods with more trees and green space were more likely to report higher levels of physical activity and overall satisfaction with their health.

https://www.ecehh.org/research/urban-green-space/

1. Care VTT. Why more green spaces are needed now [Internet]. Van Till Tree Care. 2020 [cited 2022 Aug 10]. Available from: http://vantilltreecare.com/why-more-green-spaces-are-needed-now/
2. SBL. Using remote sensing to count trees [Internet]. GIS Lounge. 2015 [cited 2022 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.gislounge.com/using-remote-sensing-to-count-trees/