One Size Fits None: A Personalized Framework for Urban Accessibility Using Exponential Decay

TL;DR

This paper introduces a personalized urban accessibility framework that uses exponential decay functions and user preferences to enable real-time, fine-grained spatial analysis for inclusive city planning.

Contribution

It presents a novel, user-customizable computational architecture for personalized urban accessibility assessment, making complex analysis accessible to non-technical users.

Findings

Framework supports real-time, personalized urban evaluations.

Interactive interfaces enable non-technical users to perform detailed spatial analysis.

Method identifies accessibility disparities within neighborhoods.

Abstract

This study develops a personalized accessibility framework that integrates exponential decay functions with user-customizable weighting systems. The framework enables real-time, personalized urban evaluation based on individual priorities and lifestyle requirements. The methodology employs grid-based discretization and a two-stage computational architecture that separates intensive preprocessing from lightweight real-time calculations. The computational architecture demonstrates that accessibility modelling can be made accessible to non-technical users through interactive interfaces, enabling fine-grained spatial analysis and identification of accessibility variations within neighbourhoods. The research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11's vision of inclusive, sustainable cities by providing tools for understanding how different populations experience identical urban spaces, supporting evidence-based policy development that addresses accessibility gaps.