A GIS-base exploration of the relationships between open space systems and urban form for the adaptive capacity of cities after an earthquake: The cases of two Chilean cities

• We explored relations between open space and urban form after an earthquake.
• The regularity of the grid and city density affects the adaptive capacity of cities.
• Heterogeneous allocation of open spaces improves diversity and overlap in governance.

In human environments subjected to natural hazards, places such as plazas, parks and free areas can, after a catastrophe, be places for refuge which can satisfy survival needs and support adaptation. The relationships of such an open space system and the urban form, are explored in this study by focussing on the spatial context of two Chilean cities affected by earthquakes. Data was collected in interviews with people from emergency organisations using the Projecting Mapping Technique, and subjected to Content and Geographic Information System analyses to identify the type, utility and distribution of the open space system for earthquake recovery. The objective was to evaluate, by means of different spatial indexes, the extent the open space system of these cities impact on measures associated with urban resilience, namely overlap in governance and diversity. Findings suggest that the regularity of the grid and city density affect the adaptive capacity of cities, hence, resilience. Findings also shed light on a methodological approach, including participatory and geographical data, through which these resilient aspects can be explored and evaluated in other human environments prone to earthquakes.