A GIS-SUPPORTED ANALYSIS ON ACCESSIBILITY IN WOMEN-FRIENDLY SOCIETIES: EVALUATION OF WALKING ROUTES AT NIGHT HOURS

Abstract

Developing safe cities is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a vital factor in creating sustainable communities and cities. From this point, ensuring that women use urban spaces accessibly and safely is crucial. This study aims to determine the walking routes between the most used venues in Kadıköy district, Türkiye, open at night hours, and the transportation points using GIS methods. Density analysis was made using Foursquare check-in data collected from 4 different categories in July 2021, and the closest walking routes between the locations and the bus stops were developed using closest facility analysis. The results were classified in a 5-scale suitability range, in which 5 refers to the highest density and more accessible (closest) bus stops. Zone 2 has 266 shortest routes, while zone 5 has 90 shortest routes and there are many eating and drinking places on the shortest routes. Lastly, some sample routes from the densest and least dense routes were observed using Google Street views in terms of safety criteria. The results and the approach used in this study are expected to encourage the local authorities and the decision-makers to improve safe access between the venues and transportation points.