Spatial distribution of parks in the city of Buqaa within the Saudi Green Initiatives 2030 using Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of parks in the city of Buqaa within the framework of Saudi Green Initiative 2030, addressing the challenge of achieving a balanced park distribution that maximizes public benefit and enhances quality of life. The research highlights the unique context of Buqaa in the Hail region, where rapid urban expansion exerts pressure on green spaces, making the assessment of park distribution essential for supporting sustainable urban planning. The study also aims to identify the most suitable locations for future afforestation projects and to evaluate the efficiency of recreational services provided by the parks according to per capita share and national planning standards.
The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS Pro) to analyze the spatial distribution of parks. The data sources included city maps, satellite imagery, and population statistics. The main analytical tools applied were Nearest Neighbor for spatial association analysis, Standard Distance to determine distribution direction, and Weighted Overlay to identify the most suitable locations for afforestation projects based on the criteria of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.
The results indicate that parks in Buqaa are distributed in a nearly random pattern from southeast to northwest, with a total number ranging between 17 and 18 parks covering 463,960 m². Approximately 58.82% of the parks are located within the service distance threshold, benefiting a significant portion of the current population. Furthermore, central neighborhoods, such as Old Buqaa and the eastern districts, were identified as the most suitable areas for future afforestation projects.
This research contributes to supporting sustainable urban planning in the city, providing precise information to guide afforestation projects, enhance environmental quality, and improve residents' well-being, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life.