A direct observation method for auditing large urban centers using stratified sampling, mobile GIS technology and virtual environments

Abstract

BackgroundWith the expansion and growth of research on neighbourhood characteristics, there is an increased need for direct observational field audits. Herein, we introduce a novel direct observational audit method and systematic social observation instrument (SSOI) for efficiently assessing neighbourhood aesthetics over large urban areas.MethodsOur audit method uses spatial random sampling stratified by residential zoning and incorporates both mobile geographic information systems technology and virtual environments. The reliability of our method was tested in two ways: first, in 15 Ottawa neighbourhoods, we compared results at audited locations over two subsequent years, and second; we audited every residential block (167 blocks) in one neighbourhood and compared the distribution of SSOI aesthetics index scores with results from the randomly audited locations. Finally, we present interrater reliability and consistency results on all observed items.ResultsThe observed neighbourhood average aesthetics index score estimated from four or five stratified random audit locations is sufficient to characterize the average neighbourhood aesthetics. The SSOI was internally consistent and demonstrated good to excellent interrater reliability. At the neighbourhood level, aesthetics is positively related to SES and physical activity and negatively correlated with BMI.ConclusionThe proposed approach to direct neighbourhood auditing performs sufficiently and has the advantage of financial and temporal efficiency when auditing a large city.

Assessing the micro-scale environment using Google Street View: the Virtual Systematic Tool for Evaluating Pedestrian Streetscapes (Virtual-STEPS)

“…The evidence base on the contribution of micro-scale elements of the built environment to walking behavior is limited likely owing to the resource intensity of the traditional field-auditing approach. This approach requires auditors to be physically present to conduct audits, which can lead to considerable time and cost restraints even for very small-scale local studies [7, 8]. Technological advances have led to the development of virtual audits, efficient alternatives to observational field audits, that are safe for auditors require less time and financial resources, allow researchers to audit more study sites, and to use historical images to examine changes in built environments over time.…”

“…Technological advances have led to the development of virtual audits, efficient alternatives to observational field audits, that are safe for auditors require less time and financial resources, allow researchers to audit more study sites, and to use historical images to examine changes in built environments over time. They can also facilitate the auditing of dispersed, large, or distant areas [7, 9–11] improving the geographic scope and generalizability of findings, since variations in the built environment of neighborhoods implies that associations may also vary [11]. This method of data collection is also more flexible compared to in-person auditing methods, as auditors can easily refer to street stills at a later point in time if they discover that the assessment of additional environmental features is warranted.…”

Environmental Influences on Physical Activity among Rural Adults in Montana, United States: Views from Built Environment Audits, Resident Focus Groups, and Key Informant Interviews

“…Focus groups with residents are an effective way to explore a variety of issues in a community that influence behavior [ 22 ], while interviews with key informants can be used to gather additional information and provide further insights [ 23 ]. Data from objective environmental audits can elucidate complementary or contradictory aspects of the issues identified from focus groups and key informants’ interviews [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Sistemas de Suporte à Decisão Espacial e Aplicações

“…A partir de subconjuntos específicos de LOD têm sido propostos serviços agregando componentes de Big Data e LOD geoespaciais (Geospatial Linked Open Data) [29]. Novos métodos de auditoria foram propostos, usando amostragem aleatória espacial e GIS combinadas com ambientes virtuais disponíveis na Web, como o Google Street View, visando agilizar auditorias em tempo real [30]. Pesquisas sobre o uso do posicionamento geográfico do usuário, aliado aos GIS com foco em segurança e treinamento, podem usar realidade virtual (VRGIS) e aumentada (ARGIS) e já estão sendo pesquisadas [31].…”