Using Images to Measure Qualitative Attributes of Public Spaces through SP Surveys

Abstract Stated preference choice experiments can benefit from the use of images to describe complex scenarios such as public spaces or urban infrastructure. However, images will be perceived subjectively by users who will probably understand them in a more qualitative than quantitative way. A method to quantify the relevance of qualitative attributes of public spaces such as beauty, safety or security is proposed. The method is based on the sequential estimation of discrete choice and latent variable models. Two case studies are described and the complexity of the construction of images is discussed. Results show that the proposed method allows the inclusion of qualitative features in choice models, but the use of images introduces a bias in the perception of the magnitude of design attributes that should be analysed carefully.

[1]  K. Powell,et al.  The Effectiveness of Urban Design and Land Use and Transport Policies and Practices to Increase Physical Activity: A Systematic Review. , 2006, Journal of physical activity & health.

[2]  Hjp Harry Timmermans,et al.  Context effects and decompositional choice modeling , 1991 .

[3]  Joan L. Walker.  Opening up the black box: Enriching behavioral models of spatial and travel choices , 2006 .

[4]  John E Abraham,et al.  Influences on bicycle use , 2007 .

[5]  D. Meyer,et al.  Urban Visitor Perceptions of Safety during a Special Event , 2003 .

[6]  Adam Astrid Kemperman,et al.  Influences of Built Environment on Walking and Cycling by Latent Segments of Aging Population , 2009 .

[7]  D. Skuras,et al.  The Contribution of Scenic Beauty Indicators in Estimating Environmental Welfare Measures: A Case Study , 2004 .

[8]  C. Lawson,et al.  International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Do Attributes in the Physical Environment Influence Children's Physical Activity? a Review of the Literature , 2006 .

[9]  K. Shriver.  Influence of Environmental Design on Pedestrian Travel Behavior in Four Austin Neighborhoods , 1997 .

[10]  Michel Bierlaire,et al.  BIOGEME: a free package for the estimation of discrete choice models , 2003 .

[11]  S. Raudenbush,et al.  Relationship between Urban Sprawl and Physical Activity, Obesity, and Morbidity , 2003, American journal of health promotion : AJHP.

[12]  Michel Bierlaire,et al.  How urban environment affects travel behaviour? Integrated Choice and Latent Variable Model for Travel Schedules , 2011 .

[13]  C. L. Antonakos.  Environmental and travel preferences of cyclists : Bicycles and bicycle facilities , 1994 .

[14]  Joan L. Walker,et al.  Generalized random utility model , 2002, Math. Soc. Sci..

[15]  John Zacharias,et al.  Pedestrian Behavior Pedestrian Behavior and Perception in Urban Walking Environments , 2001 .

[16]  Anke Blöbaum,et al.  Perceived Danger in Urban Public Space , 2005 .

[17]  Michel Bierlaire,et al.  Integrating psychometric indicators in latent class choice models , 2014 .

[18]  Cristian Angelo Guevara,et al.  Change of Scale and Forecasting with the Control-Function Method in Logit Models , 2011, Transp. Sci..

[19]  Jordan J. Louviere,et al.  A comparison of stated preference methods for environmental valuation , 1996 .

[20]  William C. Sullivan,et al.  Transforming Inner-City Landscapes , 1998 .

[21]  Sebastián Raveau,et al.  Inclusion of latent variables in Mixed Logit models: Modelling and forecasting , 2010 .

[22]  Juan de Dios Ortúzar,et al.  Cuantificando la Percepción de Inseguridad Ciudadana en Barrios de Escasos Recursos , 2006 .

[23]  Verónica Saud Casanova.  Relevancia de los atributos del espacio público en las decisiones de ruta en bicicleta , 2014 .

[24]  John Pucher,et al.  Cycling safety on bikeways vs. roads , 2001 .

[25]  Kevin J. Krizek,et al.  Urban Design: Is there a Distinctive View from the Bicycle? , 2011 .

[26]  Susan L Handy,et al.  Measuring the Unmeasurable: Urban Design Qualities Related to Walkability , 2009 .

[27]  M. Ben-Akiva,et al.  Endogeneity in Residential Location Choice Models , 2006 .

[28]  Susan L Handy,et al.  How the built environment affects physical activity: views from urban planning. , 2002, American journal of preventive medicine.

[29]  Matthew Carmona,et al.  Public Places - Urban Spaces : the dimensions of urban design, Second Edition , 2003 .

[30]  E. Shafer,et al.  How to measure preferences for photographs of natural landscapes , 1977 .

[31]  Joan L. Walker,et al.  INTEGRATION OF CHOICE AND LATENT VARIABLE MODELS. IN: IN PERPETUAL MOTION: TRAVEL BEHAVIOR RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AND APPLICATION CHALLENGES , 2002 .

[32]  D. McFadden.  Conditional logit analysis of qualitative choice behavior , 1972 .

[33]  Jordan J. Louviere,et al.  Perceptions versus Objective Measures of Environmental Quality in Combined Revealed and Stated Preference Models of Environmental Valuation , 1997 .

[34]  J. Palmer.  Using spatial metrics to predict scenic perception in a changing landscape: Dennis, Massachusetts , 2004 .

[35]  K. Lancaster.  A New Approach to Consumer Theory , 1966, Journal of Political Economy.

[36]  Yan Song,et al.  Quantitative analysis of urban form: a multidisciplinary review , 2008 .

[37]  Elisabetta Cherchi,et al.  Assessment of Regeneration Projects in Urban Areas of Environmental Interest: A Stated Choice Approach to Estimate Use and Quasi-Option Values , 2010 .

[38]  C. J. Khisty.  EVALUATION OF PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES: BEYOND THE LEVEL-OF-SERVICE CONCEPT , 1994 .

[39]  Margarita Greene,et al.  Valuation of housing and neighbourhood attributes for city centre location: A case study in Santiago , 2013 .