The Numbers

95.2% (5,857 of 6,149) of Austin trail segments are in the 0-25% shade range of the total trail segment shade index

4.1% (254 of 6,149) of Austin trail segments are in the26-50% shade range of the total trail segment shade index

0.54% (33 of 6,149) of Austin trail segments are in the 51-75% shade range of the total trail segment shade index

0.08% (5 of 6,149) of Austin trail segments are in the 76-100% shade range of the total trail segment shade index

Results and Implications

The results of the analysis clearly show a direct correlation between the lack of tree cover of the streets and trails, and the outlying areas of Austin. Before the start of the analysis, both teams predicted that this might be the case. We noticed that the majority of the 75-100% shaded blocks and segments are all located within miles of the central business district (CBA) of Austin. Considering that only 0.08% of the trail segments and 0.25% of the street blocks are in the 75-100% shade range, it is extremely tough to have a street block or trail segment shaded at least three quarters of the way. Even so, it was hard to come by a street block or trail segment that was far away from the CBD and shaded in this range or the 50-75% shade range. The UFP can use the map outputs and table results to locate the heavily shaded blocks and segments to plan for future trees to be placed either: near or around the already heavily shaded areas to create corridors of streets and trails with heavy tree shade; or do just the opposite and plan for more trees to be placed in locations that have a higher percentage of very low shaded street blocks and trail segments. The results of the analysis can also be used in future studies to display a direct relationship with urban tree coverage and: energy consumption; crime rate; walk-ability and bike-ability; air quality; water quality; climate control; aesthetics and property value; and a number of other benefits that urban trees can provide. Whatever the case, we are confident that our results will be able to help the UFP make decisions on where to locate future trees to strengthen the urban canopy of Austin.