Google Walkability: A New Tool for Local Planning and Public Health Re... Transportation & Mobility

Google Walkability A New Tool for Local Planning and Public Health Research – 2012

Full Report

Overview

This article published by The Journal of Physical Activity and Health addresses two questions: Can free “open source” tools like Google Maps measure walkability for community planners? Subsequently, which types of measurements (composite or single component) are best in determining walkability for communities? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsored the Study of Employee Quality of Life (SEQOL), which focused on the travel behaviors and physical activity of employees at Atlantic Station, judged by many to be a good example of a walkable, or livable, community. It is a mixed use and transportation oriented development in the center of Atlanta’s Midtown business district.

Key Points br

Analyzing how environments shape walkability can be complex. Most analyses measure population density alone, which may not be the best primary indicator of walkability (page 694). In fact, this research determined that “single component” measures were not as accurate in determining walkability as “composite” measures (multiple categories of data) (page 696). The study then examined using Google tools (Google Earth, satellite maps, etc.) as compared to more expensive community planning options for accuracy. Research conducted at Atlantic Station involved 59 employees, who kept travel diaries over four days. Analyses factored population density, employment density, destinations, intersections, transit stops and sidewalks (page 691). The article reports that:
The Google open source tools are effective tools for measuring walkability. This means that Google can be used rather than expensive software, saving community planners and local governments money.
Single component analyses for determining walkability are not as accurate as composite analyses. In particular, the article suggests planners focus on proximity and connectivity as relevant factors. “For example, investments to increase connectivity are most advisable where proximity is greatest” (page 696). This impacts where community planners spend and why.

How to Use br

Good information is the first step to great planning. By utilizing various factors described in the article in composite analyses, community planners have access to better information. By utilizing free open source tools rather than expensive software tools, community planners can also spend resources more wisely.

View full report:

Stay Informed — For Free

The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages.
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.