Comparative Analysis of Spatial Equity of Park Distribution

The assessment of spatial equity aims to investigate whether residents’ park use demand is satisfied by park supply. Given that the key role played by individual demand in determining equity is largely ignored or not effectively measured in previous empirical studies, a series of equity indexes which incorporated park use demand (Supply–Demand Equity Index) were developed for assessing spatial equity at multi-scales. In order to assess spatial equity of park distribution comprehensively, two additional approaches were also used in this study, i.e., Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve, global and local spatial association analysis. In addition, spatial equity levels in four study sites were compared to address the influence of park provision on spatial equity. The influence of destination set (most often used parks vs. nearest parks) on spatial equity analysis was also discussed.