Walkability scoring: Why and how does a three-dimensional pedestrian network matter?
Jianting Zhao
(Co-authors: Dr Guibo Sun and Professor Chris Webster)
The University of Hong Kong, Department of Urban Planning and Design
Full entry title
Zhao, J., Sun, G. Webster., C. Walkability scoring: Why and how does a three-dimensional pedestrian network matter? Urban Analytics and City Science (2020). Read here.
Research description
There is a lack of streamlined walkability evaluation in Asian cities for its dense urban morphology and three-dimensional (3D) walking system, especially in cities where pedestrians are separated from vehicles by footbridges or underpasses. We constructed a walkability scoring system in Hong Kong and investigated why and how a 3D pedestrian network makes a difference in walkability scoring. Results show that scores are on average 92% higher when calculated with the pedestrian network. Our citywide analysis on walkability scores challenges existing walkability evaluations for potential inaccurate data usage. We provide an open-source protocol that enables a wider, simpler, and more accurate application of walkability in Asian cities.
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