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Trajectory Data Analyses for Pedestrian Space-time Activity Study
Published on: February 25, 2013
The "path" not taken: exploring structural differences in mapped- versus shortest-network-path school travel routes
Ron N Buliung1, Kristian Larsen, Guy E J Faulkner
1Department of Geography, University of Toronto Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. ron.buliung@utoronto.ca
American Journal of Public Health
|July 20, 2013
Summary
Shortest path measurements for school routes show significant differences compared to actual routes children take. This route discordance, especially in suburban areas, challenges the validity of using shortest paths in school travel research.
Area of Science:
- Urban planning
- Transportation geography
- Childhood activity studies
Background:
- School route measurement commonly uses shortest network paths.
- This method's uncritical adoption in school travel research is questioned.
- The route discordance hypothesis posits differences between shortest paths and actual routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the route discordance hypothesis in school travel research.
- To compare shortest network paths with reported school routes.
- To investigate differences in route structure and built environment variables.
Main Methods:
- Mapped and shortest network paths were constructed for 759 children (grades 5-6) in Toronto.
- Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared reported routes with shortest paths on measures like distance and intersection crossings.
- Route measurement differences were analyzed by travel mode and school location.
Main Results:
- Statistical evidence of route discordance was found for walkers and children driven to school.
- Route discordance was more frequently detected in inner suburban areas.
- Differences varied significantly based on travel mode and school location.
Conclusions:
- Statistically significant differences exist between reported school routes and GIS-based shortest paths.
- Route structure and built environment variables differ between the two measurement methods.
- The shortest-path approach introduces uncertainty, challenging its validity in school travel research.
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