Preliminary communication

https://doi.org/10.31803/tg-20240907113323

Influence of 3D Barriers on Walkability for the Elderly in a German City

Hartmut Müller orcid.org/0000-0002-7970-9164 ; Hochschule Mainz, University of Applied Sciences Lucy-Hillebrand-Str. 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany *
Konstantin Geist ; Hochschule Mainz, University of Applied Sciences Lucy-Hillebrand-Str. 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
Klaus Böhm ; Hochschule Mainz, University of Applied Sciences Lucy-Hillebrand-Str. 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
Markus Schaffert ; Hochschule Mainz, University of Applied Sciences Lucy-Hillebrand-Str. 2, D-55128 Mainz, Germany

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Walking is a sustainable, safe, and active mode of transportation. The benefits that the elderly in particular gain from outdoor walking are manifold, be it free and independent access to stores and services of all kinds or the opportunity to socialize, enjoy parks, et cetera. This article depicts one particular factor that affects outdoor walkability, namely the gradient of walking paths. Steep slopes can be a serious obstacle to walkability, primarily for older people. The evaluation of available geospatial data sources formed the basis for a geospatial analysis of walkability in the larger city of Kaiserslautern, located in southwest Germany. The concept of Walk Score was used to quantify the results obtained. The results demonstrate that the Walk Score can be refined to better address the mobility needs of older adults. The methodology was implemented for the German city of Kaiserslautern by integrating volunteered geographic information with high-quality official datasets.

Keywords

Authoritative Geospatial Data; Geospatial analysis; OpenStreetMap; Volunteered Geographic Information; Walkability

Hrčak ID:

322680

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/322680

Publication date:

30.12.2024.

Visits: 0 *