Exploring the Possibilities of Implementing the ALS-Based 3-30-300 Concept for Urban Green Space Management in Small Municipalities

This study examines the applicability of the 3-30-300 rule in five medium-sized Polish municipalities. The rule states that residents should be able to see at least three trees from their homes, neighborhoods should have at least 30% tree canopy coverage, and public green spaces should be within 300 m. The method proposed in this study shows that the tree visibility component of the 3-30-300 concept is the most fluctuating index, and it strongly depends on the settings of the algorithm parameter, as well as on the placement of artificially generated observers. This demonstrates the complexity of the issue and the need to further specify the nuances of the 3-30-300 rule. The work shows that all variables of the 3-30-300 rule can be calculated based on publicly available data, such as point clouds, which are increasingly being made available for free for research and implementation purposes. The study concludes that the proposed solution is effective in assessing the availability of green spaces and emphasizes the need for qualitative improvements in the management of urban green spaces. While the 3-30-300 rule can serve as the foundation for future urban planning, complementary strategies are needed to ensure long-term sustainability and better access to green spaces.