Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2007, Geography (Arts and Sciences)

Policy makers continue to develop ways to control sprawl, but the problem is growing. Many studies offer evaluations of current planning efforts or suggest new ones; however, few have sought to explain the evolution of sprawl, especially as it affects open space planning. This study compares the creation and current conditions of open space planning in Edinburgh, Scotland and Baltimore, Maryland. The research specifically focuses on the Green Belt around Edinburgh, Scotland and addresses several open space management programs in and around Baltimore. Results show that history, government structure, and adherence to a regional plan achieve open space preservation goal. Additionally, the future of each city's open space may be dependent upon their approach to planning. This study is part of the ongoing Baltimore Ecosystem Study, a multifaceted, long-term ecological research project devoted to understanding how cities function as ecosystems.

Committee: Geoffrey Buckley (Advisor) Subjects: Geography