1. Validating an Urban Design Qualities Audit Instrument
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GeorgeW. Sprehn
Adviser: Kelleann Foster
GEOG 596A
Spring II 2013

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 Introduction
 Study area
 Urban redevelopment
 Project objectives
 Hypothesis
 Background research
 Streetscape
 Walkability
 Spatial assessment tools
 Methodology
 Street segments
 Audit selection
 Audit implementation
 Spatial analysis
 Expected results
 Timeline
Photo: Miller and Dunham 2013
Sidewalk dining on First Street

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Lee County
Fort Myers
Florida
StudyArea:
Downtown Historic and
River Districts

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Urban redevelopment:
 54-block utilities and streetscape
 $60 million ($12.5 million streetscape)
 International award
 5 state awards
Project Objectives:
 Rate the walkability of the redevelopment
area of downtown Ft. Myers
1. Identify a measurement tool
2. Measure walkability
3. Validate the tool
 Develop Hypothesis:
The measurement tool is substantiated by the
variable quality of the built environment
Photo: Miller and Dunham 2013
Photo: Miller and Dunham 2013
Plaza de Leon

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Initial ResearchTopics
 Streetscape
 Walkability
 Spatial assessment tools

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Initial ResearchTopics
 Streetscape
 Walkability
 Spatial assessment tools
Streetscape
 Accessibility
 Pleasurability
 Perceived safety from traffic
 Perceived safety from crime
(Day et al. 2006)

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Initial ResearchTopics
 Streetscape
 Walkability
 Spatial assessment tools
Streetscape
 Accessibility
 Pleasurability
 Perceived safety from traffic
 Perceived safety from crime
Walkability
 Pedestrian performance and preferences
 Quality of environment
 Quantity of pedestrians
 Comfort and safety
 Land use and streetscape factors
(Lo, 2009)
(Day et al. 2006)

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Initial ResearchTopics
 Streetscape
 Walkability
 Spatial assessment tools
Streetscape
 Accessibility
 Pleasurability
 Perceived safety from traffic
 Perceived safety from crime
Walkability
 Pedestrian performance and preferences
 Quality of environment
 Quantity of pedestrians
 Comfort and safety
 Land use and streetscape factors
Spatial assessment tools
 Assess urban design qualities
 Measure features
 Scale to street-level variables
 Enable GIS
 Enable PDA
(Lo, 2009)
(Day et al. 2006)
(Ewing and Handy 2009)

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(Ewing & Handy 2009)

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A. Determine spatial assessment tool (audit instruments)
 NEWS – Neighborhood EnvironmentWalkability Survey
 SPACES – Systematic Pedestrian and Cycling Environment Scan
 PEDS – Pedestrian Environment Data Scan
 Irving-Minnesota Inventory
 Active Living Research (ALR) AuditTool
A. Determine spatial assessment tool
B. Identify evaluation segments
C. Implement the assessment tool
D. Spatial analysis

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Table 1. Perceptual qualities
adaptability distinctiveness intricacy richness
ambiguity diversity legibility sensuousness
centrality dominance linkage singularity
clarity enclosure meaning spaciousness
coherence expectancy mystery territoriality
compatibility focality naturalness texture
comfort formality novelty transparency
complementarity human scale openness unity
complexity identifiability ornateness upkeep
continuity imageability prospect variety
contrast intelligibility refuge visibility
deflection interest regularity vividness
depth intimacy rhythm
(Ewing & Handy, 2009)
1. imageability
2. enclosure
3. human scale
4. transparency
5. complexity
Urban Design Qualities
Active Living Research (ALR)
AuditTool
 Panel of experts
 Operationalize qualities
 Objective measures
 Subjective perceptions
 Street segments

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Active Living Research (ALR) AuditTool

13. HIGH LOW
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14. HIGH LOW
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15. HIGH LOW
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16. HIGH LOW
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17. HIGH LOW
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18. HIGH LOW
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19. ScoringSheet
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20. Scoring Sheet Detail
RecordedValues
Multiplier
Constant = Walkability Score
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Photo: Miller and Dunham 2013
street segment: about one block in
length, 300 feet or about 120 paces
Proposed Approach
B. Identify evaluation segments
 Select 9 street segments
 Subjective observations
 High, Medium, Low quality
C. Implement the assessment tool
 ALR AuditTool
 Objective measurements
A. Determine spatial assessment tool
 Subjective/objective
 ALR AuditTool
D. Spatial analysis
 Overall walkability scores
 Urban design qualities
 ALRTool validation

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(Park and Kang, 2011)
D. Spatial analysis
 Overall walkability scores
 Urban design qualities
 ALRTool validation
This diagram by Park and Kang (2011) is
what I have in mind to show the walkability
ratings. Color-coded segments would
indicate the values of the five urban qualities
each mapped separately for analysis.

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Project objectives
1. Measure walkability
2. Assess urban design qualities
3. Validate the audit tool
2. Assess urban design qualities
Active Living Research AuditTool
 Imageability
 Enclosure
 Human scale
 Transparency
 Complexity1. Measure walkability
3.Validate the audit tool
First Street – Fort Myers FL
Photo: Miller and Dunham 2013
(Park and Kang, 2011)

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ESRI Story Map concept
 Showcase
 Urban quality tabs
1. Imageability
2. Enclosure
3. Human scale
4. Transparency
5. Complexity
 Templates
 Pop-ups
 Maps
 Interactive
 Story line
http://storymaps.esri.com/home/

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May
 Peer review presentation
 Audit preparation
 Final design elements
 Training
June
 Administer Audit
 Upload audit results
July
 Spatial analysis
 Write up
October: Presentation
GIS Expo –W. Palm Beach FL
and Story Map

26.  Introduction
 Background
 Methodology
 Analysis
 Expected Results
 Timeline
Advisers
Kelleann Foster, Department of Landscape Architecture
Dr. Douglas Miller
Beth King
JohnA. Dutton e-Education Institute
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Pennsylvania State University
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