Last December I wrote an article describing my Azavea research project to better calculate and map walkability using friction-based distance calculations to determine a location’s walkable access to a variety of amenities.  As I had hoped, that research has matured and become the building blocks of a sophisticated, soon-to-be-released walkability calculator – Philadelphia Walkshed.

Philadelphia Walkshed shows the walkability and amenities of the area around 20th and Walnut Sts.

Currently in testing, Walkshed enables users to make very precise and personal walkability calculations.  First, every distance we measure is an actual walking distance, rather than a distance calculated “as the crow flies”.  For example, we do not assume that you can walk on I-76 or the Delaware River.  Second, we give you enough data to make intelligent choices.  Walkability is not only proximity to basic amenities but also crime density, tree cover, and more.  Finally, we understand that walkability is very personal in many ways.  Some people may prefer access to parks and libraries while others prefer shopping and nightlife.  Since Walkshed is built on DecisionTree, Azavea’s planning and geographic prioritization tool, users have the ability to set their priorities and create a walkshed that is tailored to his or her preferences.

Don’t miss my walkability research presentation at this year’s Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit on October 5 in Philadelphia.  I hope to see you there!