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U-Access: a web-based system for routing pedestrians of differing abilities

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Abstract

For most people, traveling through urban and built environments is straightforward. However, for people with physical disabilities, even a short trip can be difficult and perhaps impossible. This paper provides the design and implementation of a web-based system for the routing and prescriptive analysis of pedestrians with different physical abilities within built environments. U-Access, as a routing tool, provides pedestrians with the shortest feasible route with respect to one of three differing ability levels, namely, peripatetic (unaided mobility), aided mobility (mobility with the help of a cane, walker or crutches) and wheelchair users. U-Access is also an analytical tool that can help identify obstacles in built environments that create routing discrepancies among pedestrians with different physical abilities. This paper discusses the system design, including database, algorithm and interface specifications, and technologies for efficiently delivering results through the World Wide Web (WWW). This paper also provides an illustrative example of a routing problem and an analytical evaluation of the existing infrastructure which identifies the obstacles that pose the greatest discrepancies between physical ability levels. U-Access was evaluated by wheelchair users and route experts from the Center for Disability Services at The University of Utah, USA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of Utah, 260 S. Central Campus Dr. Room 270, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-9155, USA

    Adam D. Sobek & Harvey J. Miller

Authors
  1. Adam D. Sobek
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  2. Harvey J. Miller
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Correspondence to Adam D. Sobek.

Appendix

Appendix

1.1 U-Access evaluation dimensions

  1. 1.

    Organization/Layout:

    1. (a)

      Was the design of the web page helpful in understanding the intention of the software?

    2. (b)

      Does the layout of the page affect your ability to navigate? Are the tools clearly labeled?

    3. (c)

      Comments/suggestions.

  2. 2.

    Graphics:

    1. (a)

      Was all the information clearly presented?

    2. (b)

      Were you able to clearly delineate the route provided to you?

    3. (c)

      Comments/suggestions.

  3. 3.

    Technical:

    1. (a)

      Does the page load reasonable quickly?

    2. (b)

      Does the page respond well to your interactions (mouse clicks)?

    3. (c)

      Did many events occur that were not expected?

    4. (d)

      Please comment on the “correctness” of the routes?

    5. (e)

      Comments/suggestions.

  4. 4.

    Usability:

    1. (a)

      If you had this application, would you use it on a regular basis (daily, weekly)?

    2. (b)

      Do you feel that an application of this type would be helpful for the general public?

    3. (c)

      Comments/suggestions.

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Sobek, A.D., Miller, H.J. U-Access: a web-based system for routing pedestrians of differing abilities. J Geograph Syst 8, 269–287 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10109-006-0021-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10109-006-0021-1

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