Understanding Walking via Surveys and Route Evaluations in Geographic Information System (GIS) Environment

Walking is a critical mode to be encouraged in sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs). However, the lack of analysis methodology making it challenging detect walkability aspects necessary develop better policies. Middle East Technical University (METU) Campus was designed with pedestrian-friendly layout which has been threatened recently by different factors (i.e. enlargement campus, changing traffic volumes, etc.). This necessitated further investatigation walking and main scope most recent survey, investigate a) pedestrian perspective b) limits on campus. While former investigated via traditional questions, latter sought after map-based 1844 routes from 623 participating students. Besides descriptive statistics performed responses evaluation route-based data resulted enriched analyses, proving power evaluating walkability, spatial variation nature. Consideration both survey approach accompanied investigations enabled development more comprehensive understanding study area, should used zones, i.e. city centers, metro station capture campuses, etc.