Towards spatial integration of qualitative data for urban transformation – challenges with automated geovisualization of perception of urban places

Abstract

Urban planning needs to face and integrate ecological, social, and economic aspects of city living. So far, attempts to integrate different urban simulation models into one technical platform have focused on quantitative data. The aim of this paper is to present the preparation for an automated method to spatially integrate and visualize interview-based qualitative data on the perception of urban places into a virtual platform. The Gothenburg suburb of Hammarkullen is used as a case study. Two CAQDAS software, NVivo and Atlas.ti, were tested. In both software, locations and urban qualities were coded and clustered. Visualization strategies such as information tree structures, geo-coded quotations, spatial word clouds, linked to 2D maps and 3D environments were developed. Results identify the challenges to overcome and show limitations of the software in terms of creating graphs and relationships as well as automated geocoding of data to maps. The project offers a step towards the integration of qualitative (social) data into digital environments that can be scaled up. By that, it contributes with a new dimension of analysis of urban environments which is necessary for sustainable transformation of cities.

Using Geovisualization Tools to Examine Attitudes towards Alcohol Exposure in Urban Environments: A Pilot Study in Madrid, Spain

“…This pilot study explored the potential use of geovisualization-based approaches to assess attitudes towards different levels of alcohol exposure in an urban setting. Geovisualization tools have been widely used in landscape, spatial planning, and environmental impact research [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. For example, building and disseminating realistic virtual scenes with the purpose to communicate specific urban planning information (e.g., new housing developments in a city, changes in the street network design, etc.)…”

“…The virtual scenes can be yielded in 2D and 3D images or videos, which can provide an interactive and immersive experience to the users (e.g., both policy-makers and citizens) to help understand, imagine, and discuss different past or future scenarios [ 42 , 43 ]. Thus, geovisualization tools offer the possibility to create user-centered experiences [ 46 ], and for this reason, they have been employed to gather information on perceptions of the urban physical and social environment [ 44 ] and to facilitate the decision making process [ 40 , 47 ]. Similarly, given their interactive, autonomy, and immersive characteristics, the potential of geovisualization for the creation of participatory solutions in citizen science approaches has been identified [ 46 ].…”