In short
For years, StraTopo has been developing data analysis and visualization modules for partners and customers that provide insight into the interaction between mobility and space. Routing technology is combined with research into the willingness to use a particular modality, such as the bicycle. This technology focuses on the desired insights of spatial strategists. In the application, spatial strategists can gain insight into the impact of planned spatial investments as in a game. The end results are visual, quantitative and easy to understand. In this way, the accessibility of current or new residents can be linked to destinations, and the effect of plans can be quantitatively and visually indicated.
Problems as a starting point
A clear and detailed use case is extremely important. The purpose and framework of the entire data study is closely linked to the design choices of the data model. To outline this context, we collaborate with substantive cooperation partners and spatial strategists/policymakers who set to work with the final results.
Importance of a strong foundation
The results of the analyzes in this process are used to substantiate investment decisions. The results are of such importance that they can have an impact on how public money is spent. This importance has been recognized and weighs heavily in the choices of depth of data sources used and data processing.
A wide range of data sources are used. When processing the data, the license of the source data, the geocoding, completeness and reliability of the source are examined. In addition, the geographical location is offered for verification before the analyzes are performed.
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is used for the routing network and for the facilities data from DUO (open education data), NS (NS API), the NDOV-loket, data register of the Dutch government and web scraping methods. Future spatial plans for housing, infrastructure or even future facilities are provided by the end user and processed by the data team.
Application routing technology
Just like reliable data, reliable data processing is crucial. We have succeeded in developing new data technology with the flexibility to allow spatial strategists to adapt the city as in a game. This technology relies heavily on accurate and thoughtful use of mass routing calculations. The accessibility of the desired destinations is calculated for each address. This allows insight to be provided visually at address level, or aggregated at any desired scale level. The spatial strategist can change the starting position on a detailed level and gain insight into the difference between now and the intended future. Both changes to the infrastructure (bridge/tunnel, fast cycle route) and changes to the spatial environment (housing, facilities) can be processed and calculated.
This graph shows how many residents of the municipality of Roermond live within how many minutes by bike from the IC train station in Roermond. The blue line shows the number of inhabitants and the orange line these inhabitants scaled according to travel time willingness. Residents within 5 minutes travel time count for 100%, while the extra residents from 15 to 20 minutes hardly affect the orange line.
For the modeling of willingness to travel, use was made of research by Breda University of applied sciences. These researchers have investigated travel time readiness for cycling, which has been incorporated in the analysis modules in close collaboration. The end result provides insight into the extent to which residents are actually prepared to take the bicycle to a destination. This is also used to provide insight into whether a planned travel time improvement is actually sufficient for people to take the bicycle to a destination.
This graph shows how many residents per district can use the IC train station in Roermond by bicycle. The dark blue bar shows the percentage of residents who actually use the IC train station.
Interpretation results
To demonstrate the operation of our modules, a fictitious use case has been devised. A direct decline of the IC station in Roermond has been added to the cycling network. See the light green line in the viewer above. In the viewer above, a user can add, upgrade or delete network lines.
The end results are visual and easy to understand. Geographical visualizations show the actual accessibility of your train station, city center, primary education, higher education, work locations and more. Graphs show how many more people come within reach of these facilities at neighbourhood/district or municipality level. In addition, a standard process has been drawn up that the spatial strategist is guided through. The impact on the overall study is explained at each stage of the process. In addition, StraTopo’s data experts can be reached by telephone and e-mail for clarification.
The accessibility effect of the extra exit from Roermond Station shown in the figure above has been calculated for each neighbourhood. This shows on which inhabitants this bicycle network investment would have an effect.
Avout StraTopo
StraTopo focuses on creating, automating and offering geo analysis modules. By listening carefully, reflecting and assisting, case-specific geotools and visualizations are developed that make vision and expectation quantifiable. StraTopo consultants assist with the application, interpretation, visualization or integration of developed tools and datasets. StraTopo focuses strongly on the quality of the data, its processing and its visualization. In addition, it is central to StraTopo’s work processes that end users have detailed insight into how the results have been achieved.
We are continuing to work on a data platform and a geotoolbox with datasets and data processing tools that are offered on the market. This way other parties can also work with and on top of the developed innovations.
Curious, or would you like to be involved in further developments? Please contact Sven Reulen at s.reulen@stratopo.nl.