Tree Canopy Coverage Analysis Project

This project aims to explore the distribution of tree canopy coverage in Boston to assess whether it is possible to distinguish between city-owned and privately-owned trees. The focus is on analyzing tree canopy coverage across different land use categories to understand disparities between trees in public spaces (e.g., parks, streets, open spaces) and those on residential properties. The primary goal is to experiment with available data to uncover patterns in urban tree canopy distribution. While the analysis may not fully determine the ownership status of all tree canopy, it is designed to provide valuable insights into how much of the canopy is attributable to city-managed versus private parcels. This experimental approach ensures flexibility and sets the expectation that partial insights can still advance our understanding of urban tree equity. The dataset includes high-resolution land cover data, LiDAR-derived tree canopy layers, and parcel-level land use data sourced from the 2014-2019 Boston Tree Canopy Change Assessment. Students will work with CSV files containing detailed metrics, such as existing canopy coverage, potential canopy areas, and changes over time. Using Python or similar data analysis tools, students will calculate metrics like canopy coverage percentages within public and residential parcels, aiming to identify discernible patterns. By treating this as a discovery-driven experiment, the project emphasizes the learning process and incremental findings. Any insights gained—whether complete or partial—will contribute to the understanding of urban canopy equity, supporting efforts to enhance urban forestry strategies, mitigate urban heat islands, and promote equitable access to the benefits of tree canopy coverage in Boston. This project ultimately aligns with broader goals of environmental justice and sustainable urban development. Preferred Client Meeting Time: Thursdays // 11:15- 12:00 and Fridays // 11:15- 12:05