City of Redlands Safe Routes to Schools Shadow Mapping

The City of Redlands seeks to improve the tree canopy coverage over key pedestrian zones with the intention of providing more shade to pedestrians in support of the Safe Routes to School Program. An analysis of the current canopy and the shaded sidewalks allowed city planners to distinguish those areas that are both “walkable” and in need of more shade. LIDAR data can generate a detailed and accurate measurement of the city’s canopy index, and was used to determine the total shadow coverage of trees and buildings. Overlaid with priority sidewalks, this map identified pedestrian zones in need of shade. The results allow the City of Redlands to more clearly understand the current canopy near school zones, and determine areas with a deficit of shade coverage