Research Hub
Comprehensive guidance for walking systems research and development
About This Documentation
This comprehensive documentation resource represents the primary technical output of the Leisure Walking Systems Working Group impact project. Developed through academic-industry collaboration, it provides practical guidance for researchers and practitioners working in the field of pedestrian navigation and place-based systems.
Each section addresses core challenges in walking system development, offering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation strategies. The documentation emphasises the integration of multiple approaches and the importance of place representation in creating meaningful walking experiences.
Leisure Walking Systems
Recommendation Systems
Advanced algorithms for personalized walking route and destination suggestions.
Geospatial Integration
Methods for harmonising diverse spatial datasets across organisational boundaries.
Route Algorithms
Computational approaches to walking route planning and multi-criteria optimisation.
User Personas
Understanding the diverse profiles of walkers for inclusive design.
Contextual Factors
Environmental and situational considerations influencing walking behavior.
Walkability Metrics
Quantitative measures for evaluating pedestrian-friendly environments.
App Types Comparison
Comparative analysis of walking application types and use cases.
Place & Walking
Place Representation
Understanding how humans conceptualize and interact with places.
Platial GIS
GIS that incorporates place-based rather than purely spatial data.
Platial Architecture
System design patterns for scalable walking applications.
Designing for Place
Design approaches prioritizing unique characteristics of places.
Case Studies by Region
Regional examples of place-based walking system implementations.
Mapping Place Qualities
Techniques for capturing qualitative aspects of places.
Platial vs Spatial
Distinction between place-based and purely spatial approaches.
Cultural Dimensions
Cultural factors influencing place perception.
Methods & Evaluation
Think-Aloud Guide
Frameworks for conducting rigorous research in walking systems.
Planning Checklist
Systematic checklists for walking system projects.
Evaluation Framework
Structured approaches for evaluating system effectiveness.
Subjective vs Objective
Balancing user experiences with performance metrics.
Capturing Place Qualities
Methodologies for documenting qualitative aspects of places.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical frameworks for research involving walking systems.
Design
Slowness & Serendipity
Design principles for slower, contemplative walking.
UX Patterns
UX patterns tailored for walking applications.
Route Interfaces
Interface design for navigation information.
Use Case Comparison
Analysis of different use cases for walking systems.
Accessibility
Design principles for inclusive walking experiences.
Visual Cues
Visual elements enhancing user understanding.
Using This Documentation
For Researchers
Academic researchers can use this documentation to understand current challenges and opportunities in walking systems research, with comprehensive coverage of methodology.
For Industry
Industry practitioners will find practical implementation guidance, technical specifications, and best practices that can be directly applied to projects.
For Communities
Community groups can use this resource to better understand walking system capabilities and contribute to discussions about place representation.