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NYC Parks & Urban Ecology — QGIS Spatial Analysis Project

  • nalwogaimmaculate3
  • Dec 22, 2025
  • 2 min read
Geospatial analysis of NYC parks in QGIS, using Central Park as a focal point to demonstrate applied spatial reasoning for MEL and urban planning insights
Geospatial analysis of NYC parks in QGIS, using Central Park as a focal point to demonstrate applied spatial reasoning for MEL and urban planning insights

Project Overview

This project explores urban environmental patterns in New York City QGIS. It integrates multiple spatial datasets — including tree census, park properties, squirrel sightings, and playground locations — to visualize ecological distribution and perform spatial queries. The goal was to analyze biodiversity and tree characteristics in relation to public spaces.


Data Sources

  • 2015 Street Tree Census (CSV)

  • 2018 Central Park Squirrel Census (GeoJSON)

  • NYC Parks Properties (GeoJSON)

  • NYC Play Areas (GeoJSON)

  • NYC Bike Routes (GeoJSON)

  • Custom Building Layer (created manually)


Technical Workflow

Setup

  • Loaded all layers into QGIS











  • Set project CRS to EPSG:3857











  • Reprojected CSV layers to EPSG:4326 for accurate geolocation


Tree Census Visualization

  • Imported CSV with longitude/latitude as X/Y coordinates












  • Converted `stump_diam` column from text to numeric

  • Applied graduated symbology using natural breaks (7 classes)

  • Filtered out values from 0-1 to focus on meaningful tree widths












  • Switched visualization method to size-based (2-18 mm) for better diameter representation












Squirrel Census Analysis

  • Symbolized by primary_fur_color using categorized symbology

  • Applied natural breaks into 7 classes for visual clarity










Custom Data Creation

  • Digitalized a new building layer manually from the map

  • Added it as a separate vector layer for spatial reference












Spatial Analysis Question

How many squirrels were seen near playgrounds?

  • Used Play Areas layer

  • Created a buffer zone of 200m around the playgrounds

  • Performed point-in-polygon count using squirrel data

  • Symbolized results with graduated symbology (9 classes)

  • Filtered out parks with zero squirrel sightings












Skilled Demonstrated

  • CRS management and reprojection

  • Layer styling (categorized, graduated, size-based)

  • Data cleaning and numeric formatting

  • Buffer analysis and spatial queries

  • Manual digitization and custom layer creation

  • Map interpretation and ecological insight


Network Analysis: Safest Bike Routes in NYC to Central Park

Using QGIS's Shortes Path (Point to Layer) tool, I performed a network analysis on NYC's bike route data to identify the safest paths for cyclists.

  • Created a new shapefile layer called Bike Points

  • Plotted 3 custom points across Manhattan

  • Used Shortes Path (Point to Layer) with advanced parameters

    Default speed: 50km/h

    Start point: manually selected

  • The tool calculated optimal paths rideable paths across VYC

  • Final output visualized the safest rideable paths across NYC











This analysis demonstrates applied GIS skills in urban mobility planning and spatial network modeling.


Web Map: Refactored NYC Tree Census

I also built a web map using QGIS and qgi2web (Leaflet) to visualize NYC's tree census data.

  • Cleaned and refactored tree census attributes

  • Styled tree points by species and density

  • Exported the interactive map using qgis web

  • Central Park and surrounding neighborhoods were emphasized

  • Map includes spatial markers, basemap context, and urban green-space distribution












This web map showcases environmental data, demonstrating network modeling and urban environment mapping.









 
 
 

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