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Data Needs for Revitalization Planning and Advancement: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Social and Natural Associations (CESNA)
Citation:
Buck, K. AND DavidD Ferguson. Data Needs for Revitalization Planning and Advancement: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Social and Natural Associations (CESNA). University of West Florida Environmental Science Seminar, Pensacola, FL, November 12, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This research will employ and test a geostatistical model to create a data grid for the urban and ex-urban landscape of Atlanta, GA. This grid will enable data from multiple sources to be distributed according to analytical need. The model created from this research will allow communities to create and analyze data at customized scales from social, built and natural areas.
Description:
Revitalization of communities and natural areas has garnered increased interest in recent decades as many urban zones decay and natural resources show signs of abuse. Two primary concerns of revitalization planning are how to prioritize actions for maximum benefit and how to account for the needs of community members. There is a delicate balancing act between helping the social, built and natural environments without causing harm. In addition, concerns over external investment and gentrification of historically disinvested areas complicates forward progress. If community leaders are to effectively advocate for the needs of the current residents and be effectively involved in planning efforts, they require access to information on multiple fronts. The Comprehensive Evaluation of Social and Natural Associations (CESNA) Model will provide community leaders and advocates with information at multiple scales and include data on social, built and natural systems. Proposed here is the framework for the creation of a geostatistical model and examples of data from multiple spatial scales being incorporated a grid covering the greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area. An example showing the utility of the model is conducted in the Proctor Creek Watershed, where extensive revitalization work is happening in a number of minority and historically disinvested neighborhoods.