Green Bias

“Green Bias” focuses on the analysis of biases inherent in the data used to map urban vegetation, with particular attention to the differences between satellite measurements and human perception. Traditionally, the NDVI index has been used to estimate vegetation density through satellite imagery. However, this approach may not accurately reflect the daily experience of people, as it does not account for the perceived variability of vegetation at ground level.

To address this discrepancy, the project introduces the Green View Index (GVI), which measures the percentage of visible vegetation in Google Street View images. This offers a perspective closer to the human experience, considering how people perceive the presence of greenery as they move through cities. A comparative analysis between NDVI and GVI revealed that poorer neighborhoods or those with less access to green spaces show significant discrepancies compared to satellite measurements.

Green Bias offers a critical reflection on the use of data in urban planning, highlighting the need to consider human perception in order to create cities that truly meet the needs of their inhabitants.