A simulation-based planning support system for creating walkable neighborhoods

Evidence support a link between neighborhoods built environment and modal share of walking. New Planning Support System (PSS) tools for assessing changes in levels of walkability are needed that take advantage of available GIS built environment measures and intelligent simulation techniques. Based on a literature review and an empirical study, a walkability PSS developed in ArcGIS's extension CommunityViz is proposed. Relevance of the walkability PSS is examined through a workshop involving a group of potential users.