Quantifying Life Quality as Walkability on Urban Networks: The Case of Budapest

TL;DR

This paper presents a data-driven, network-based method to quantify urban life quality through walkability, considering accessibility, safety, and environmental factors, demonstrated on Budapest but applicable to other cities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, granular life quality index based on pedestrian accessibility and environmental data, enhancing urban livability assessment methods.

Findings

Developed a new walkability-based life quality index (LQI).

Applied the method to Budapest with potential for generalization.

Provided insights for urban planning and policy-making.

Abstract

Life quality in cities is deeply related to the mobility options, and how easily one can access different services and attractions. The pedestrian infrastructure network provides the backbone for social life in cities. While there are many approaches to quantify life quality, most do not take specifically into account the walkability of the city, and rather offer a city-wide measure. Here we develop a data-driven, network-based method to quantify the liveability of a city. We introduce a life quality index (LQI) based on pedestrian accessibility to amenities and services, safety and environmental variables. Our computational approach outlines novel ways to measure life quality in a more granular scale, that can become valuable for urban planners, city officials and stakeholders. We apply data-driven methods to Budapest, but as having an emphasis on the online and easily available quantitative data, the methods can be generalized and applied to any city.