Abstract

Reimagining Network Analyst: The Pedestrian Use Case
Track: Transportation
Authors: Stephen Smith

Pedestrian routing is an under-served use case in the field of network analysis. Many routing tools rely on assumptions appropriate for motor vehicles but not for people. This presentation highlights a case study in pedestrian network analysis which takes 'comfort variables' such as slope, shade, and handicap accessibility into account. By rethinking the existing functionality in ESRI's Network Analyst extension, this tool returns the most comfortable route for students to walk between classes on The University of Texas at Austin campus. It can also chart an ADA-compliant path for students with mobility impairments, saving them time and frustration while navigating campus. Coupled with Python geoprocessing, this tool quickly generates custom walking maps for students at the university. This concept is generalizable and has the potential for wide application.