TEST! Spatial network analysis: urban scale

Description

An online, self-paced introduction to the more technical aspects of undertaking 'space syntax’ analysis to better understand the spatial layout of cities.

Overview

Welcome to our training module on Spatial Network Analysis at the Urban Scale. While this module is intended as a follow up to the Interconnected Places module r it is also possible to take it as a stand-alone course. We will teach you how to apply space syntax in practice. At the end of the course you will have a better understanding of how to employ different software programs to map and analyse urban space.

Approach

The course is composed of three short parts that you can access and come back to whenever you have time to engage and learn. The material is dynamic and interactive, with the opportunity to test new knowledge at the end of each part. You will also be given exercise files that you can use to test out the software programmes discussed in the course, following on from the in-course videos to undertake your own urban analysis in the featured software programmes. You can download exercise files and a reading lst from the site, and you will also be given links to where you can down the relevant software. Who? The course is aimed at people who are interested in analysing cities, systems and urban processes - and who would like to apply their understanding to analyse urban systems in practice. This could include urban designers, planners and architects; but also geographers, transport specialists and people interested in urban sustainability. No prior technical knowledge is required to complete the course.  

Approach

There are three parts of the course – with each taking between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete: 

Part 1 | Representing space in axial line maps

Here we will introduce you to how we represent urban space in Space Syntax. We will look at different techniques for representing linear and convex spaces - including a key space syntax technique: drawing axial maps. This technique is fundamental to understanding the spatial structure of cities.

Part 2 | Using Depthmap to analyse urban systems

We will explore how to use the opensource software DepthmapX to analyse urban systems. We will begin by exploring some basic concepts that are important to grasp when using this software, and then introduce you to an exercise which you can do at home while following on from a step-by-step video.

Part 3 | Using the Space Syntax Toolkit for QGIS

We will to introduce you to how to undertake space syntax analysis in geographical information systems. We will introduce the Space Syntax toolkit for QGIS and undetake an exercise together, importing and analysing an area of urban fabric. We have also included supplementary training on QGIS for those people who are not already familiar with this software.

Glossary

Creative team

Dr Francesca Froy

Su Jin Kwon

Ed Parham

Prof Tim Stonor

Haruki Hoshii

Katherine Stonor REPLACE image

We would also like to thank Helen Cheon for all her help in designing material, sourcing images and advising on the technical aspects of creating this training module.

Space Syntax Limited

Registered in England No. 2404770 at 2 Leman Street, London, E1W 9US

VAT: GB 696 6039 87