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METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY
To identify priority areas for tree planting, select suitable plant species, and determine optimal planting methods tailored to various urban typologies in South Salt Lake, we made a list of weighted factors listed below next to the relevant topic. To identify priority areas for tree planting, select suitable plant species, and determine optimal planting methods tailored to various urban typologies in South Salt Lake, we made a list of weighted factors listed below next to the relevant topic. This resulted in suitability maps that identify areas most in need of trees, which are organized in a layered visualization shown below to the right of the list of weighted factors. We utilized GIS spatial data to compile and analyze the weighted factors for each main topic of study
Slope (1 m), Digital Elevation Model (DEM, 1 m), land use, and soil type.
Land Surface Temp (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Moisture Index (SMI), Building Density, and Digital Surface Model (DSM).
Urban heat, noise pollution, air quality index, PM2.5, greenspace proximity, and proximity to health facilities.
Population density, vulnerable populations (<5 yrs, 65+ yrs, disabled), minority population, renters vs housing owners, median household income.
Identified wildlife richness through iNaturalist, vegetation density (GIS based object detection through Deep Learning).
We then consolidated individual topic suitabilities, ensuring no duplication of factors, to synthesize a comprehensive suitability assessment (seen left) that identify optimal locations in South Salt Lake for tree planting to maximize multi-faceted benefits (large map seen below). We selected suitable plant locations, types and optimal planting methods tailored to residential, urban, park, and street typologies. These are seen in the planting recommendations page.
CULMINATING SYNTHESIS
CULMINATING SYNTHESIS
A comprehensive combination map was generated based on the spatial analysis of these five contexts. Each map depicts the study area’s condition using a scale, ranging from “Very Low” to “Very High,” providing a nuanced understanding of the severity of climatic impacts across different topics. By synthesizing the findings from all five contexts into a single map, it becomes evident which blocks require heightened attention, particularly in the implementation of urban forest expansion, aimed at improving the sustainability of South Salt Lake City.
We therefore conclude that native trees, or non-invasive trees that are adapted to SSLC's temperatures, soil types, and precipitation levels, should be planted in the commercial corridor between Interstate 15 and State Street. This corridor can be seen in reddish brown on the Culmination Synthesis map to the left, and our recommended tree types are below.
INTERACTIVE MAP
INTERACTIVE MAP
To the right, there is an interactive map showing various points in South Salt Lake. It includes:
Multiple examples of places we recommend planting trees shown in blue
One example of a place that is not suitable for tree shown in orange
Two examples of places, shown in green, where tree planting has taken place previously, and thus show what we would like high priority points to become. One of which contains trees we have planted as part of our community engagement.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The staff of SSLC and Tree Utah have been incredibly supportive throughout this process, offering valuable guidance and encouragement as we work toward our shared goal of enhancing the urban tree canopy. we’ve had the opportunity to apply our skills in real-world situations, through engaging discussions, visioning exercises, site tours, and hands-on participation in a tree planting event at Fitts Park which we have photos of to the right. We are hopeful that our participation and deliverables will contribute to SSLC’s strategic tree planting efforts in the years to come.
TREE RECOMMENDATIONS
TREE RECOMMENDATIONS
More information can be found on the Tree Recommendations page.
Planting Trees in SSL Final Poster.jpgPage updated
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