Department of Geography

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Assessing the role of bikesharing in transit-oriented development: a case study of Birmingham
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2016) Glass, Caroline Day; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a community development strategy that has increasingly gained exposure in urban areas across the United States as a method for reducing sprawl and increasing community vitality. Specifically, bikesharing is seen to play a major role in the success of transit-oriented development across urban communities as it increases travel possibilities, encourages public transit connections, and provides opportunities for recreation. This research employed a case study of Zyp BikeShare, a point-to-point bike rental program that began in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2015. Here, we analyzed the bikesharing program in terms of implementation and development, user catchment, transit paths, and usage trends. In doing so, we were able to create a methodology for analyzing specific bikeshare programs. Similar methodology can be applied to other bikesharing programs as the transit-oriented development technique continues to grow and develop in American cities.
Digital dumping ground in Ghana: a study on potential impacts of e-waste in Agbogbloshie
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2021) Chan, Amber Michelle; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Despite the growing use of electronic products, waste recycling efforts are not expanding at a proportional pace, and places in the Global South like Ghana are left with toxic waste sites like the one at Agbogbloshie that are arguably an indirect result of Western consumer capitalism. In spite of significant international attention, the e-waste trade in Agbogbloshie continues to persist, prompting the need for a more comprehensive look at the potential impacts of its continuation on the environment and human health. By examining the potential impacts of the e-waste trade in Agbogbloshie through a critical geography lens, it is hoped that a more nuanced account can assist restoration efforts that minimize harm to the communities that live in and rely on the e-waste trade. This thesis presents an analysis of seven video interviews specific to different careers concerning e-waste in Agbogbloshie with a particular emphasis on the identification of the potential impacts of the e-waste trade. Utilizing transcribed interview footage alongside existing literature and applying qualitative analysis techniques, several conclusions were reached based on the main thematic points identified: workers know e-waste is harmful to their health, e-waste is a significant source of income for many people, the disconnect between the formal and informal sectors makes restoration efforts difficult to coordinate, and the future of skilled workers is in jeopardy. Although far from comprehensive given the small sample size, these interviews lend a great deal of insight into the potential human and environmental impacts of electronic waste in Agbogbloshie.
Do You Have What I Expect? - Understanding the Gap Between Local Governments' Plans to Mitigate Coastal Hazards and Public Perceptions
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2021) Cass, Evan Yancey; Shao, Wanyun; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The New Orleans region of Louisiana has been at the front of coastal hazard and climate change research in recent years because of its high social vulnerability, influenced by its location on the Gulf of Mexico, socioeconomic profile, and general location below sea level. Municipal hazard mitigation must be sufficient not only in its coverage of the hazards that pose a threat to the region but also of the hazards that residents of this region are most concerned about. Resident perception of risk is a vital component of social vulnerability and can be utilized by residents and their municipality to increase resiliency against hazards. Because climate change is expected to intensify these threats, it becomes important to ensure that resident perceptions of risk are considered when developing municipal plans to maximize regional resiliency against major events. This research aims to identify a gap in the hazard mitigation process that can be closed to better prepare the community to handle coastal hazards. To achieve this, an online survey is distributed to the New Orleans metropolitan area to determine risk perceptions and expectations of the local government’s action in response to coastal hazards and climate change. Policy analysis is conducted to identify the priorities held by municipal planners in these issues. Through research, it is found that, although there is no gap in the perception of risk and municipal mitigation of current coastal hazards that threaten New Orleans, there is a substantial gap between the municipal approach to climate change mitigation and the worry and expectation of action the residents hold regarding the future effects of climate change on the region. It is recommended that the approach to climate change is reconsidered on a municipal level and that new small-scale personal resiliency incentives are promoted to maximize resiliency toward coastal hazards in the future for New Orleans.
Evaluating the effectiveness of urban planning and administration in taming urban sprawl: a case of Kumasi-Ghana
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2014) Asare-Akuffo, Filiberto; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Currently, Kumasi is the largest urban agglomeration in Ghana, with a population of 2,035,064. Faced with rapid urbanization and urban sprawl, the city has created numerous growth problems for residents and authorities. In line with these developments, this study seeks to achieve the following objectives: (a) to identify urban growth problems in Kumasi, (b) to identify the causes of these problems, (c) to identify the growth pattern, (d) to identify planning interventions and their effectiveness, and (e) to suggest improvements based on lessons from the United States planning system. Employing a multidimensional approach, including content analysis of relevant literature, field survey, field observation, and remote sensing analysis of data, the study revealed the following: a city faced with traffic congestion, worsening waste conditions, encroachment on public lands and reserves, conflicting development, and negligence of planning regulations. However, planning officials, in their effort to control these developments, have not been successful due to outdated planning regulations and lack of coordination among institutions, comprehensive plans and subdivisions, and public participation in the planning process. Based on lessons from the United States Planning System, it was suggested that new planning regulations that conform to current problems should be developed and enforced. Additionally, the city should incorporate public views and input in the planning process, and finally, the city should adopt and enforce growth management strategies such as a population cap, a building permit quota system, an adequate public facility program, an urban growth boundary, and an urban service area. Keywords: urban growth management, urban sprawl, urban planning
Exploring location and accessibility relationships between manufactured housing and banking facilities in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Yankson, Eric; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This study has explored location and accessibility relationships between manufactured housing (also referred to as mobile homes, manufactured homes, or trailers) and banking facilities in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The main research objective was to examine the relative location of manufactured housing and banking facilities. Additional research objectives included determining the demographic characteristics of mobile home residents and finding out whether or not these residents have access to banking facilities. The study showed that whereas manufactured homes tend to be located in outlying census tracts or in the central part of the county outside city limits, banking facilities are located in the central part of the county within city limits. A Geographical Information System (GIS) suitability analysis showed that overall, less urbanized areas are suitable for the location of manufactured housing units in Tuscaloosa County. These trailers have kept out of the more urbanized locations by zoning restrictions. Statistical analyses showed that the number of industrial establishments and population density are strongly correlated with the number of branches of identified banking facilities, with the number of industrial establishments having the strongest correlation. A spatial mismatch was found between the locations of manufactured housing and banking facilities. Less urbanized areas where mobile homes are located were found to have low population densities, low per capita incomes, and low levels of competitiveness, while more urbanized areas where banking facilities are located were found to have high population densities, high per capita incomes, and high levels of competitiveness. From the survey of mobile home residents carried out as part of this research, it was evident that a majority of household heads (approximately 57%) are between the ages of 46 and 65 years, while 14% are 65+ years old. It was also found that approximately 58% of household heads are working, while 42% are not working. All the respondents in the survey use banking services, with a majority using credit unions. An overwhelming 91% of respondents use loans, while 60% of those who use loans have gone in for a home or home improvement loan (either alone or together with other loans). Based on the results of the survey, it was fair to conclude that notwithstanding the spatial mismatch between the locations of manufactured housing and banking facilities, residents of manufactured housing have access to banking facilities in accordance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977. This implies that one does not necessarily have to be located in close proximity to a banking facility in order to access banking services, as most banks have adopted more technologically advanced ways of dealing with their customers. Also, with space-time accessibility measures, where people work or shop could be a much more useful way of assessing whether or not they have access to banking facilities. However, in terms of aggregate accessibility which is based on points such as homes or zones, or topological accessibility which is based on travel distance or time, manufactured housing residents are placed at a disadvantage relative to residents of site-built homes when it comes to accessing banking facilities.
Exploring public participation in planning: a case study approach
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Davis, Kara Noelle; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The level of public participation in environmental planning and decision-making was examined using content analysis of specific case studies. Municipalities around the country recently have undertaken many projects in which citizens were unhappy with their involvement in the overall planning process. The objectives of this study were to identify existing laws pertaining to public participation; review the methods of public participation; and determine the extent to which the public was involved in the planning process. Two cases were reviewed with a focus on filtering out lessons in public participation that could be used by community planners elsewhere. Tuscaloosa implemented only four of the nine methods of public participation that Chattanooga also used: form citizen groups or task forces, use outside consultants for new ideas, educate the citizens, and ensure that information is accessible. Visioning proved to be the difference in public participation methods for Chattanooga. Tuscaloosa removed the citizens from the design aspect of its riverfront plans. Downtown revitalization is a prime opportunity for citizens to participate and voice their opinion on the design and function of their city, which would create an opportunity for cooperation with city officials. These missed opportunities for citizen input severely impair a citizen's trust of municipality operation and management of funds, citizen concerns, and natural resources, all of which directly impact the lives of an entire region.
Exploring the ecological footprint of the "average" American student: case of The University of Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Brown, Crystal Jean; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This research establishes the current consumption and environmental awareness levels associated with the use of water and energy resources for dormitory students on The University of Alabama's campus. During this study, the recently constructed Lakeside East and Ridgecrest East dormitories were analyzed by means of content analysis and subsequent ecological footprint calculations. These were performed from the available water and energy records. Pertaining to the two dormitories from 2007 to 2008, the calculations suggest that consumption levels concerning electricity have decreased; whereas, natural gas levels have increased slightly for Lakeside East and decreased slightly for Ridgecrest East. Additionally, a sample of residents from within the two dormitories was surveyed to determine environmental awareness and lifestyle behaviors associated with the use of energy and water resources. Though a majority of the students indicated they were interested in environmental issues, lifestyle behaviors and preferences did not always positively correlate to the subsequent environmental issues. Resources associated with high-tech devices were overconsumed. Thus, additional educational opportunities may promote more sustainable lifestyle choices. As a consequence, this study serves as a snapshot from which future environmental strategies may be derived.
Exploring the Effects of Urban Sprawl on Low-Income Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2021) Blankenship, Jesslyn Cameron; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Urban sprawl has led to poorly planned cities that spread out over large distances of land, creating unequal distribution of resources and blocking access to opportunities for low-income residents who remain in the central city (Squires, 2002) . While sprawl does provide the opportunity to live a quiet life outside of the city, the lasting impacts of sprawl are beginning to be seen in inner city communities. Two of these communities are Birmingham, Alabama’s North and East neighborhoods. This study explores the possible causes of Birmingham’s sprawl and residents' opinions of how urban sprawl impacts them socially, economically, and environmentally. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology and a comparison case study approach, it analyzes Birmingham’s history and census tracts within the North and East neighborhoods in order to: determine if low-income households are increasing in fringe suburbs while simultaneously decreasing in the inner city; ascertain whether or not being in close proximity to an economic hub has any effect on household income; establish if property values are an indicator of upward mobility for communities; and confirm the historical causes of the city’s sprawl. In doing so the research was able to determine how residents in North and East Birmingham perceive the potential effects of sprawl. Similar methodology can be applied to other mid-sized American cities hoping to gain more insight into how sprawl affects their citizens.
Exploring the potential health and safety issues of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Ghana; a case study
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) McWhorter, William; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining is a way of life for many individuals living in developing countries, especially Africa. This subsistence form of mining provides many households with an income to provide food and shelter for their families. Although done with good intentions, limited financial resources along with the lack of government capacity to properly regulate small-scale gold mining activities leads to hazardous working conditions that can be detrimental to both human health and the environment. By using a case study approach, this paper explores the current mining techniques being used in rural Ghana to identify the health and safety issues associated with small-scale gold mining and policy options to help streamline the mining process. Although the appropriate regulations exist, much of Ghana’s small-scale gold mining sector is pushed to operate informally which through financial shortcuts exposes miners and the surrounding community to health and safety risks. By identifying the issues at hand, we hope to promote more effective policies that streamline the small-scale gold mining process through active local government cooperation while creating a more sustainable environment and safe workplace for future generations.
A feasibility study of a bike share program on the University of Alabama campus
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2019) Oppong, Judith Ntow; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This thesis sets out to examine how feasible a bike share program will be at the University of Alabama (UA). Three case studies of campus bike sharing programs across the United States are used to show the different bike sharing systems in existence. The advantages of a bike sharing program are highlighted to show how the system can offer alternative transportation to the university campus. The current status of bicycle uses on University of Alabama campus as well as policies put in place are also discussed. The last part of the thesis applies lessons learnt from the case studies and evolution of bike share to a feasibility study for UA campus.
A study of infrastructural connectivity on a college campus: the case of the University of Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2021) Schnarre, Emily L.; Appiah-Opoku, Seth; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
As the University of Alabama and the City of Tuscaloosa continue to undergo unprecedented growth, more students than ever need to commute to campus. While most students choose to drive to campus, this places stress on the University’s parking lots and development plans. In an attempt to combat that stress, the multimodal network infrastructure, was evaluated to identify the overall connectivity for student commuting. This evaluation was completed by using graph theory applications to gauge to overall connectivity of the sidewalk, bike lane, and bus route networks available to students at the University of Alabama. Through GIS mapping, relationships between these networks were identified, as well as gaps in these networks. Along with these graph theory metrics, a survey of student’s commuting patterns was performed to identify how students travel to campus and their overall familiarity with the alternative transportation networks. Together, this data was compiled to identify areas in which connectivity is limiting a student’s ability to commute to campus, either due to gaps in the network or lack of awareness of the network. These results were used to create policy recommendations which sought to improve connectivity metrics and overall mobility for students at the University of Alabama in an effort to combat the recent unprecedented growth.
Understanding spatio-temporal variation of regional taxi flows in New York City
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2017) Fang, Ting; Weber, Joe; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
With the arrival of Big Data Age, how to mining useful information hidden behind big data has become a hot topic in Geographic Information Science (GIScience). This study examined the spatio-temporal variation of regional taxi flows by analyzing a Big Data set of taxi trips in New York City (NYC) and the research combined the knowledge and methods of spatial statistics and visualization to extract the variation in both spatial and time dimensions. First, the spatial pattern of the overall taxi volume was analyzed by the Moran’s I Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) to measure where the clusters are and how they vary from place to place each one-hour time segment of one day. In addition, the spatio-temporal pattern of the netflow was visualized in 3D-GIS environment to measure where “source” areas are, as well as using Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) to extract the primary information of the outgoing flow (outflow). Lastly, in order to explore the year level pattern, multivariate mapping was established to compare the areas with high/low outflows in 2015 with those in 2012 and 2009, respectively. The final results revealed a more specific understanding of regional taxi flows including the patterns of the overall flow, netflow, and outflow in NYC.

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