Spatial Pattern Identification of Urban Leisure Spaces Based on Geo-Big Data and GIS Technology—A Case of Qingdao, China

AbstractAccurate understanding urban leisure spaces (ULS) is crucial for optimizing the allocation of leisure resources. This paper aims to provide a detailed classification of ULS and derive its spatial distribution and morphological characteristics using geographical technology. We constructed a hierarchical classification system for leisure functions and identified 11 types of ULS in Qingdao based on the domination and combination of these functions. Single-function spaces are mainly concentrated in the suburbs with relatively large plots, while multi-function zones are primarily distributed in downtown areas with relatively small plots. Natural-recreational leisure spaces are more complex in shape, while cultural-special leisure spaces are less complex. The uneven distribution of different types of leisure spaces suggests that the government should focus on improving natural leisure spaces in downtown areas and developing diversified leisure spaces in the suburban areas.Keywords: urban leisure spacesGeo-big dataGISspatial patternQingdao Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis study was financially supported by the Youth Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (42201311, 42001243), the Humanities and Social Science Project of the Ministry of Education, China (22YJCZH071, 20YJC630212) and the Youth Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, China (ZR2020QD008).