Walkshed NY uses 10 data collections drawn from the NYC.gov Data Mine to enable users to create a walkabilty heat map based on individual preferences. Users can:

• Select from a number of priorities and weight according to their preferences: proximity to grocery stores, bars, MTA subway stops, Wifi hotspots, cultural centers, etc.

• Generate a heat map to understand which neighborhoods are most walkable based on their individual priorities.

• Continue fine tuning their walkshed by revising the weights of their preferences.

Future Uses:

We see walkability analyses as first steps (no pun intended) to a more sustainable economy and environment. Sustainable Development does not just mean a cleaner environment; it also requires establishing local economies that are economically viable and socially responsible. It will involve a shift in mindset in terms of how we approach individual life, business, and government.

At the heart of it all is geography. Measuring a city’s walkability is just the beginning. Planning water sources, land use, optimal public transit routes, better sidewalk networks and bike lanes, traffic light timing, and distance from diverse habitats are just a few of the ways that geographic technology can help us make our towns and cities operate in a more sustainable manner.

It is our wish that applications like Walkshed can be used to assist planners, economic development professionals, land conservation specialists, energy analysts, and other sustainability-minded professionals make better informed decisions. We believe such applications can help them prioritize multiple geographic decision factors to identify the best locations for the specific activities they are involved in, and ultimately make our communities healthier, as well as socially and economically responsible.