What transportation policies can be evaluated with spatial analysis?

1 Accessibility and equity

One of the main goals of transportation planning is to improve the accessibility and equity of transportation services and infrastructure for different population groups and areas. Spatial analysis can help measure and compare the accessibility and equity of various transportation modes, such as public transit, cycling, walking, and driving, by using indicators such as travel time, cost, frequency, reliability, and coverage. For example, spatial analysis can help identify the areas and groups that have low or high accessibility to jobs, education, health, and other opportunities, and how different transportation policies can affect their accessibility levels. Spatial analysis can also help assess the equity implications of transportation policies, such as how they distribute the benefits and costs of transportation among different groups and areas, and how they address the needs and preferences of diverse and vulnerable populations.

2 Congestion and emissions

Another important goal of transportation planning is to reduce the congestion and emissions caused by transportation activities, which affect the efficiency, safety, health, and environment of the transportation system. Spatial analysis can help estimate and monitor the congestion and emissions levels of various transportation modes and corridors, by using data such as traffic volume, speed, delay, and emission factors. For example, spatial analysis can help evaluate the impacts of congestion pricing, road pricing, or parking pricing policies on the congestion and emissions levels of different transportation modes and areas, and how they can influence the travel behavior and mode choice of travelers. Spatial analysis can also help evaluate the impacts of alternative transportation policies, such as promoting public transit, cycling, walking, or telecommuting, on the congestion and emissions levels of the transportation system.

3 Land use and transportation integration

A third important goal of transportation planning is to integrate land use and transportation planning, which can enhance the sustainability, livability, and resilience of the transportation system. Spatial analysis can help analyze and visualize the land use and transportation patterns and interactions, by using data such as land use types, densities, mixes, and locations, and transportation network characteristics, such as connectivity, hierarchy, and multimodality. For example, spatial analysis can help evaluate the effects of land use policies, such as zoning, urban growth boundaries, or transit-oriented development, on the transportation patterns and performance, such as travel demand, mode choice, trip length, and accessibility. Spatial analysis can also help evaluate the effects of transportation policies, such as road expansion, transit improvement, or bike lane installation, on the land use patterns and outcomes, such as development density, diversity, and location.

4 Safety and security

A fourth important goal of transportation planning is to improve the safety and security of the transportation system, which can protect the lives and well-being of travelers and transport workers. Spatial analysis can help identify and analyze the safety and security issues and risks of the transportation system, by using data such as crash locations, frequencies, severities, and causes, and security incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or terrorism. For example, spatial analysis can help evaluate the safety and security impacts of various transportation policies, such as speed limits, traffic calming, road design, or surveillance, on the crash and security rates and patterns of different transportation modes and areas. Spatial analysis can also help evaluate the safety and security benefits of preventive and protective transportation policies, such as education, enforcement, or emergency response, on the safety and security performance of the transportation system.

5 Innovation and technology

A fifth important goal of transportation planning is to foster innovation and technology in the transportation system, which can enhance the efficiency, quality, and diversity of transportation services and options. Spatial analysis can help explore and test the innovation and technology opportunities and challenges of the transportation system, by using data such as travel demand, supply, and behavior, and technology features, such as automation, connectivity, or sharing. For example, spatial analysis can help evaluate the innovation and technology impacts of various transportation policies, such as regulating, subsidizing, or promoting new transportation modes and services, such as ride-hailing, car-sharing, bike-sharing, or micro-mobility, on the transportation patterns and performance, such as mode choice, trip length, accessibility, and emissions. Spatial analysis can also help evaluate the innovation and technology potentials of emerging transportation modes and services, such as autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, or smart mobility, on the transportation system transformation and evolution.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?