Applying Depth Decay Functions to Space Syntax Network Graphs

12-15 June 200

A spatial signature of sprawl: or the proportion and distribution of linear networkcircuits

This paper sets out to investigate whether the frequency distribution ofthe linear network circuits within a graph-based representation of aroad transportation system can be helpful in identifying sprawl and, inparticular, whether a 'spatial signature of sprawl' can be determined.This paper is based upon an earlier study on Peachtree City, Georgia and in particular of its dual transportation system (roads and golf cartpaths). In order to fully understand the effect that the dualtransportation system has upon Peachtree City, the frequencydistribution of its circuits are compared to three, supposed, 'suburban' areas and three, supposed, 'urban' districts. The conclusion of thispaper is that there is, unquestionably, a measurable continuum between 'suburbia' and 'urbanity' and that this is reflected in the frequency,length and distribution of the graph network circuits. The main sectionof this paper is concerned with the presentation and discussion ofalternative algorithms for calculating these circuits. This section isfollowed by an introduction of a selection of methods for interpretingthe resultant data. Finally, with respect to Peachtree City, this paperconcludes that the effect of the dual transportation system is to make it more 'urban' than it would otherwise be, although it remains adistinctly suburban environment

OmniVista:an application for isovist field and path analysis

This paper briefly describes the software application OmniVista written for the Apple MacintoshPlatform. OmniVista is essentially an isovist generating application, which uses the 2d planof a building or urban environment as input data, and then can be used in one of threemodal ways. Firstly, point isovists can be generated by ?clicking? onto any location in theenvironment. Secondly, all navigable space can be flood-filled with points, which may then beused to generate a field of isovists. Finally, a path of points can be used to examine howisovist properties vary along the path - the results of this can either be output as numericaldata, or exported as a series of pictures, which may be combined to form an animation of thevarying isovists along the route. This paper will examine all three modes of use in turn,starting from the simplest (point) to the more complex (the path). A description and equationfor all isovist measures used in the application will also be given as an appendix to thepaper

An American prototopia: or Peachtree City as an inadvertent, sustainable solution to urban sprawl

Peachtree City is a city with a secondary transportation network, known as the path system. This paperseeks to determine why the path system is so successful and whether there are fundamental spatial,configurational properties which underpin its achievement. This paper examines the axial-line network ofpaths as a distinct network then as part of the larger, combined system of both paths and roads.The finding of this paper is that the cart path system, although unintelligible in its own right, serves thepurpose of reducing the overall number of cul-de-sacs in the city whilst increasing its axial ringiness. Anew measure for calculating the spatial signature of sprawl is suggested - the proportion and distribution ofcircuit lengths in the axial map. The paper continues by discussing the social, economic and environmentalbenefits of the path system, with the proviso that these benefits arise only from a successful system and thata partial factor contributing to this must be the spatial regularities revealed in the axial analyses. It concludsby suggesting that without the cart path system, Peachtree City would consist of nothing more thanaggregations of typical suburban developments with one or two primary road-entrances accessed fromarterial-roads and containing a high ratio of cul-de-sacs.This paper concludes by suggesting how Peachtree City could be held to be the blue-print of a ?protopia?,presenting a principle by which American suburbia could be transformed into sustainable communities andyet do so in a manner which would be distinctly American in character and hence palatable to its residentsunlike many current, public-transport focused proposals

OmniVista:an application for isovist field and path analysis

This paper briefly describes the software application OmniVista written for the Apple MacintoshPlatform. OmniVista is essentially an isovist generating application, which uses the 2d planof a building or urban environment as input data, and then can be used in one of threemodal ways. Firstly, point isovists can be generated by ?clicking? onto any location in theenvironment. Secondly, all navigable space can be flood-filled with points, which may then beused to generate a field of isovists. Finally, a path of points can be used to examine howisovist properties vary along the path - the results of this can either be output as numericaldata, or exported as a series of pictures, which may be combined to form an animation of thevarying isovists along the route. This paper will examine all three modes of use in turn,starting from the simplest (point) to the more complex (the path). A description and equationfor all isovist measures used in the application will also be given as an appendix to thepaper

To tame a TIGER one has to know its nature:extending weighted angular integration analysis to the descriptionof GIS road-centerline data for large scale urban analysis

GIS databases representing urban layouts according to road centerlines spanningbetween intersection nodes (at road junctions) can be analyzed syntactically basedon the concept of angular fractional depth

Measuring environments for public displays: a Space Syntax approach

This paper reports on an on-going project, which is investigating the role that location plays in the visibility of information presented on a public display. Spatial measures are presented, derived from the architectural theory of Space Syntax. These are shown to relate to the memorability of words and images presented on different displays. Results show a complex pattern of interactions between the size and shape of spaces in which displays are situated and the memorability of different types of representations depicted. This approach offers a new way to consider the role of space in guiding and constraining interaction in real settings: a growing concern within HCI and Ubicomp

Overcoming isolation in distance learning: Building a learning community through time and space

The rise in popularity of distance education programmes, taught through web-based media, belies the difficulty in preparing, delivering and studying on such programmes. Preparing and providing quality material and a rich learning experience are key challenges. The physical and temporal separation of tutor and student, and between students themselves, can lead to feelings of isolation. The lack of interaction and discussion between students on non-cohort based courses lessens the richness of the learning experience and omits a significant element of the constructivist approach to learning. In order to provide maximum flexibility for students to study at a time, pace and subject issue of their choosing, the University of the West of England’s (UWE) MA Spatial Planning programme is delivered entirely online at a distance and asynchronously.This research investigates this pedagogic problem through examining the experiences of distance learning students at UWE, exploring issues and barriers to collaborative study, and exploring student isolation. Recommendations are generated for building a learning community on a non-cohort asynchronous programme of study. These include: providing service level agreements to clarify expectations; designating ‘staging points’ to encourage and motivate; developing student generated content as footprints ‘buried’ in the material; humanising the material; and introducing mechanisms to provide students with their peer’s thoughts/views on course material

Overcoming isolation in distance learning: Building a learning community through time, space and sector

The rise in popularity of distance education programmes, taught through web-based media, belies the difficulty in preparing, delivering and studying on such programmes. Preparing and providing quality material and a rich learning experience are key challenges. The physical and temporal separation of tutor and student, and between students themselves, can lead to feelings of isolation. The lack of interaction and discussion between students on non-cohort based courses lessens the richness of the learning experience and omits a significant element of the constructivist approach to learning. In order to provide maximum flexibility for students to study at a time, pace and subject issue of their choosing, the University of the West of England’s (UWE) MA Spatial Planning programme is delivered entirely online at a distance and asynchronously.This research investigates this pedagogic problem through examining the experiences of distance learning students at UWE, exploring issues and barriers to collaborative study, and exploring student isolation. Recommendations are generated for building a learning community on a non-cohort asynchronous programme of study. These include: providing service level agreements to clarify expectations; designating ‘staging points’ to encourage and motivate; developing student generated content as footprints ‘buried’ in the material; humanising the material; and introducing mechanisms to provide students with their peer’s thoughts/views on course material