Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


6824.pdf (8.78 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Access, Neighborhood Walkability, & an Urban Greenway: A Qualitative GIS Approach

Topmiller, Michael A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384334581

Abstract Details

2013, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Geography.
Most studies that examine the equity in spatial access to parks rely on geographic information systems (GIS) and secondary data, and measure access strictly in terms of distance, leaving out other important determinates of access. A need exists for measures of spatial access that include environmental factors such as perceptions of safety, the presence and quality of sidewalks, and heavy traffic, all of which influence levels of physical activity. This dissertation details a qualitative GIS approach that moves beyond distance-based access measures to physical activity resources and engages local adult and youth residents in a participatory research process. The qualitative GIS approach combines GIS-based distance measures with environmental audits, digital photography, Group Level Assessment, and participatory mapping in order to gain local knowledge of the environmental factors that facilitate or inhibit access to the Licking River Greenway and Trails (LRGT), an urban greenway in Northern Kentucky. Including local perceptions of the built environment provides a more realistic portrayal of access, one that includes local insights to the barriers to physical activity and that reveals potential issues related to inequities in access. By identifying equity issues and creating maps that can be utilized by local residents, this research may help ensure that the LRGT is built in a way that improves access for low-income and minority areas.
Wendy Eisner, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Changjoo Kim, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Farrah Jacquez, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Kevin Raleigh, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
212 p.
Geography
access; walkability; greenway; participatory GIS; qualitative GIS; equity

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Topmiller, M. A. (2013). Access, Neighborhood Walkability, & an Urban Greenway: A Qualitative GIS Approach [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384334581

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Topmiller, Michael. Access, Neighborhood Walkability, & an Urban Greenway: A Qualitative GIS Approach. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384334581.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Topmiller, Michael. "Access, Neighborhood Walkability, & an Urban Greenway: A Qualitative GIS Approach." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384334581

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1384334581
654
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.