Publication Date

Summer 2003

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Urban Planning (MUP)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

Abstract

This planning report provides a spatial analytical framework for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in housing affordability research. After introducing the background of housing affordability issues, it discusses the nature of neighborhood effects on housing affordability and methods of exploring the relationships between neighborhood effects and housing affordability by utilizing GIS based spatial comparisons. In order to evaluate dynamics of housing markets and their influence on housing affordability, a quantitative study is conducted. After identifying spatial variables of housing demand and supply, household income and housing cost, relevant social and economic factors with strong relationships to housing affordability arc discovered using statistical analysis. Based on statistical findings, GIS can be of great help in simulating the impacts of proposed solutions on the future conditions of housing affordability. In addition, a GIS supported analysis of housing affordability in Alameda County, California is undertaken.

GIS, as an ideal research platform for analyzing housing data sets, can be applied in housing affordability research to explore the relationships among multiple housing factors. Powerful data mapping tools can visualize complex data from multiple sources or in disparate formats. The spatial querying capabilities of GIS greatly facilitate findings from historical data. Based on such findings, GIS can be utilized to simulate the impacts of housing policy changes on neighborhood housing affordability.

Download

Share

COinS