Quantity assessment of urban green, blue, and grey spaces in Poland

This article presents a quantitative analysis of the spatial differentiation proportions of green, blue, and grey spaces (three types of land cover) in all Polish urban areas (913 in 2014) concerning Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) urban units grouped according to size. The analysis was based on data from the Polish Central Statistical Office, which are unique on a European scale due to their scope (24 types of land use), accuracy, and full uniformity. Three indicators were established, two of which were based on the data concerning the number of residents and density of the population. Additionally, the correlations between these two variables were defined. The results show a considerable differentiation of urban spaces in both the regions and their sizes. Recognizing the quantity of the three types of spaces in the Polish urban landscape makes it possible to conduct comparative analyses and implement an effective sustainable development strategy, which influences the quality of local inhabitants' lives.

Automated summary

This study presents a quantitative analysis of the spatial differentiation proportions of green, blue, and grey spaces in all Polish urban areas. The results show significant differences in urban spaces based on regions and sizes, providing insights for comparative analyses and sustainable development strategies. Understanding the quantity of different types of spaces in the urban landscape can influence the quality of local inhabitants' lives.