A Spatial Statistical Approach on the Correlation between Walkability Index and Urban Spatial Characteristics -Case Study on Two Administrative Districts, Busan-

Abstract

The correlation between regional Walkability Index and their physical•socio-economic characteristics has evaluated by the spatial statistical analysis to understand the urban pedestrian environments, where has been emerging the significance, recently. Following to the study, the Walkability Indexes were calculated quantitatively from two administrative districts of Busan and measured Global •Local spatial autocorrelation indices. Additionally, the Geographically Weighted Regression model was applied to define the correlation between Walkability Indexes and urban environmental variables. The spatial autocorrelation values and clusters on the Walkability Indexes were derived in statistically significant level. Furthermore, the Geographically Weighted Regression model has been derived more improved inference than the OLS regression model, so as the influence of local level pedestrian environment was identified. The results of this study suggest that the spatial statistical approach can be effective on quantitative assessing the pedestrian environment and navigating their associated factors.

A Reliability Check of Walkability Indices in Seoul, Korea

“…Before this study was conducted, few studies had developed a walkability index in Korea [28]. Furthermore, no studies had been conducted on the measurement reliability between walkability indices.…”

“…By measuring walkability to identify the spatial distribution characteristics of the walkability level, the city government will be equipped to establish urban planning and transportation policies to enhance citizens' walking. For example, it is expected that various urban planning policies (e.g., the improvement of pavements on pedestrian roads, the installation of pedestrian-only streets, and improvements in the traffic signal system for pedestrians) could be developed to improve neighborhood environment of the area by identifying the vulnerable area of walking.Among the studies on building pedestrian-friendly environments, some have attempted to develop walkability indices that measure pedestrian urban environments [24][25][26][27][28]. However, only a few studies of walkability have been conducted in Korea [28].…”

“…For example, it is expected that various urban planning policies (e.g., the improvement of pavements on pedestrian roads, the installation of pedestrian-only streets, and improvements in the traffic signal system for pedestrians) could be developed to improve neighborhood environment of the area by identifying the vulnerable area of walking.Among the studies on building pedestrian-friendly environments, some have attempted to develop walkability indices that measure pedestrian urban environments [24][25][26][27][28]. However, only a few studies of walkability have been conducted in Korea [28]. For example, the walk score, which is widely used as a walkability index in various fields in the US, such as real estate, urban planning, transportation engineering, and public health, provides data on cities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand only.…”

“…Among the studies on building pedestrian-friendly environments, some have attempted to develop walkability indices that measure pedestrian urban environments [24][25][26][27][28]. However, only a few studies of walkability have been conducted in Korea [28].…”