The use of geographic information systems in the calculation of indicators at the urban scale

Abstract

Historically the calculation of indicators at an urban scale has been undertaken to analyze the urban fabric of cities, however the frequent transformation of cities has implied the necessity to update such indicators. In the field of urbanism the interest of indicators focuses on urban parameters, which have an important role in planning, in its management and its future improvement. This article explores some urban parameters of three areas of Barcelona: the Gothic Quarter, the area of the Sagrada Familia and the Pedralbes area, from data provided by Barcelona City Council. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology different parameters are calculated and spatial differences between these areas are obtained, enabling an understanding to be reached of the net floor space, the built occupation and the compactness of the urban fabric for each of the case study areas. The analysis using GIS technology allows for new spatial information to be obtained, which should be taken into consideration given its importance for future strategic decisions within the scope of planning and urban management.