Mapping Play Deserts

An examination of the differences in playability scores between the physical and digital audits revealed a high degree of variability between the audit types. It was evident that there exist a variety of influencing factors that affect the accuracy of digital audits when using Google Earth and Google Street View.

The map highlighting the locations of play deserts was created by overlaying only areas in the lowest playability quintile(Play Deserts)on to a base map of the City of Vancouver. This map can aid in locating the area in Vancouver that are in need of infrastructure to support risky play. These areas should be prioritized for urban development projects.

In addition to these maps we were able to examine the total area covered in the eastern neighborhoods and western neighborhoods by the phenomenon of play deserts and oases. 28% of the east was in a play oases, while 16% of it was in a play desert. 14% of the west was considered to be in a play oases while 21% was considered to be in a play desert.

The “Vancouver’s Play Deserts and Pediatric Density” map allows one to visualize the population density of children aged 10 -14 years in relation to the identified areas of play deserts within the City of Vancouver. It’s interesting to note where there lower densities of children, there are greater instances of play deserts. This could be inferred that more children live in play deserts.