Walkability scoring: Why and how does a three-dimensional pedestrian network matter?
Jianting Zhao
Co-authors: Dr Guibo Sun and Professor Chris Webster
(University of Hong Kong, Department of Urban Planning and Design)
Research Description
Previous walkability scoring systems are based on road networks, although roads are not designed for pedestrians. We need pedestrian network data to calculate accurate walking scores, especially in cities where pedestrians are separated from vehicles by footbridges or underpasses. We investigated why and how a three-dimensional (3D) pedestrian network makes a difference in walkability scoring in Hong Kong. The walkability scores (on a scale of 0–100) were calculated using the 3D pedestrian network and road network, and the difference was evaluated. Results show that scores are 92% higher when calculated with pedestrian network, calling for changes in conventional walkability evaluation and effective planning.
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.
The Judges Said...
The judges found this research clearly presented, with plenty of evidence of rigorous analytical and critical skills at two levels: the construction of the statistical model with the definition of variables to input in the model, and the interpretation of the results, showing how and when under-estimation of walkability in pedestrian networks take place and why.