# Validity and reliability of the virtual audit tool for estimating built-environment characteristics in Taiwan

## TL;DR

This study tests if Google Street View can reliably assess neighborhood environments in Taiwan, finding it works well for transportation features but less so for aesthetics and stores.

## Contribution

The study validates the use of Google Street View for environmental auditing in Taiwan, highlighting its strengths and limitations.

## Key findings

- GSV-based audits showed high reliability for transportation features like walking and cycling infrastructure.
- Aesthetics and grocery store assessments had lower reliability due to GSV limitations like viewing angles and storefront visibility.
- The modified S-VAT tool demonstrated good validity and reliability overall for environmental auditing in Taiwan.

## Abstract

Environmental factors significantly influence health behaviors and outcomes. While Google Street View (GSV) has emerged as a cost-effective tool for environmental auditing in various countries, its feasibility in Taiwan remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of GSV-based environmental audits in Taiwan.

Four administrative districts in Taipei representing different population densities and socioeconomic status were selected. A total of 74 street segments within 40 streets were evaluated using both virtual and field audits. The S-VAT was modified to include 8 categories (38 items) of neighborhood characteristics. To assess criterion validity, field and virtual audits were conducted by one rater with a minimum two-week interval. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by comparing two raters’ virtual audit results, while intra-rater reliability was assessed through repeated virtual audits by the same rater. Cohen’s Kappa and percentage agreement were used for statistical analysis.

Walking-related (k = 0.768), cycling-related (k = 0.921), and public transport features demonstrated high reliability. Lower reliability was found in aesthetics and grocery stores, primarily due to GSV limitations: aesthetic features (litter, graffiti) were affected by viewing angles and temporal variations, while grocery stores were challenging to assess due to restricted storefront visibility and signage clarity.

The S-VAT demonstrates good validity and reliability for environmental auditing in Taiwan, particularly for transportation-related features. However, caution should be exercised when assessing grocery stores and aesthetic features. This study validates GSV as a feasible tool for conducting environmental audits in Taiwan.