Sacramento Tree Opportunity Analysis

As the Civic Analytics Lead for Sacramento’s Tree Opportunity analysis, David Wasserman developed the core methodology and approach to identify possible tree planting opportunity areas that could align with gaps in the active transportation network. He led the implementation an analysis that integrated AI-derived tree canopy and planter location data, projected future heat events, and an urban heat island index into a “Tree Opportunity Index.” This index combined measures of need—such as lack of tree coverage and heat vulnerability—with indicators of feasibility—like areas lacking tree canopy and on-street planter capacity. By pinpointing high-opportunity corridors for new trees, Alta’s analysis informed Sacramento’s Active Transportation (AT) Audits, by ensuring tree planting considerations were integrated into future corridor improvements.

Alta worked with the City of Sacramento to identify key gaps in its active network, but as part of that work Alta was tasked to help the City identify opportunities along that network to expand tree canopy along key corridors. Sacramento already had
In addition to tree canopy however, we asked Ecopia to identify other planter areas in the right of way that could possibly support new tree planting. City tended to have inventory data that suggested false positive for planting areas, while an AI-d
Our final approach was to create a Tree Opportunity Index that combined the identification of criteria related to need such a lack of tree canopy and heat exposure, and those related to possible planting areas such as pervious land cover and on-stree
We have begun integrating our analysis with our bicycle and pedestrian gap analysis, examining the alignment of high-opportunity zones with high-stress streets for pedestrians and cyclists. Our initial findings are guiding us towards coordinating tre
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