METHODOLOGY
see how this geographic-information-system-based research was carried out
A research based on
Geographic
Information
System
This project adopted a research approach based on Geographic Information System (GIS), which is a suite of integrated software tools designed for three main tasks: the storing and editing spatial data in databases; performing spatial analysis functions; and presenting spatial data in the form of maps and visualisations.
Which software did we use?
There is a number of GIS software providers in the market. Some of the software are open-source, while others require a commercial license. This project used Esri's commercial GIS software, ArcGIS, as the primary analysis tool.
See what GIS is all about... (Video by Esri)
Data
our working process in carrying out the
Overlay Analysis
1. Data Collection
GIS tools used: N/A
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Access Statutory Zoning Portal 2 and take screenshots of the land use zoning of the harbourfront areas
2. Digitising Land Use Zoning
GIS tools used: georeferencing, editing
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The screenshots of OZP are loaded onto the iB10000 map in ArcMap and georeferenced with respect to it.
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Then, with the Trace tool, land use polygons are traced along roads and other features in iB10000.
3. Buffer Analysis
GIS tools used: editing, buffer
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Outline the Victoria Harbour boundary in ArcMap
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Define the harbourfront area by creating a 100-metre buffer zone around the harbour boundary
4. Calculate Geometry
GIS tools used: editing, clip
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The area of different land uses are calculated with the Caluclate Geometry function for further analysis.
5. Coastline Intersection
GIS tools used: intersection, split
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To analyse land uses at the immediate waterfront, the Intersection and Split tools were employed to cut the coastline into different sections that intercepts the polygons of different land uses
6. Calculation and Filter
GIS tools used:Calculate Geometry, Query Builder
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The length of different sections is calculated. To examine the connectivity of our promenade, we used the Query Builder to identify coastlines with certain uses with that span over 500m.
More about the Methodology
Defining the Study Area
What is the Boundary?
In defining the promenade...
To delineate the harbour boundary, this study follows the boundary as defined in Schedule 3 in Cap. 1 of the Laws of Hong Kong
(For a quick reference, see this map by the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee)
In defining the harbourfront area...
Why 100m Buffer?
The 100m buffer is based on the width estimation for a versatile and enjoyable waterfront space. This would mean extra space for amenities and buffer zones for impact mitigation would be needed.
Hover the photos below to know more.
Promenade
Promenade
Strip of Land immediate at the coastline for the maximum enjoyment of the water landscape and microclimate.
Event Space and Amenities
Event Space and Amenities
A functional waterfront space shall include venues of adequate size for leisure activities or events, such that the utility of waterfront can be further harnessed.
Urban Buffer
Urban Buffer
Area of vegetation or open space that alleviates the undesirable environmental impacts from nearby urban and logistic activities to the recreational amenities
Evaluation Criteria Used in the Analysis
Classification of land use
In reviewing the land use zoning...
The land uses from the Outline Zoning Plan are consolidated into the categories on the left.
Interpretation of Other Uses
"Other Uses" as specified in the Outline Zoning Plan encompasses a diverse array of land uses, as a result of by-case extensions of development controls on certain existing land uses.
Moreover, the accessibility of OU spaces varies from one another.
For the analysis of actual land uses, further classification of OU spaces is deemed necessary.
OU classifications that extends from original land uses are reclassified as per their actual spatial utilization situation.
E.g. Parts of Kwun Tong South (OU) is
classified as Commercial for analysis.
01
Impermeable utility areas
E.g. Logistics, Wholesale Market
02
Informal quasi-open space under transition
E.g. Former Cargo Handling Areas
03
Utilities with formally managed open space
E.g. Cruise Terminal
Inaccessible
Accessible
Accessible
Why the 500m Standard?
500m is equivalent to 8-10 minutes of strolling or 3-4 minutes of jogging.
For a promenade to be versatile for different sports and leisure users, it has to span across a certain continuous distance. A short promenade would lead to frequent undesirable U-turns for users.