Research focus
This ongoing research examines how access to urban opportunities and the quality of the street-level public realm jointly shape neighborhood walkability, using Metro Vancouver as the case study area.
Data and method
The project assembles a metropolitan dataset of more than 109,000 recent Google Street View panoramas. A multimodal large language model is used to assess visible public-realm qualities related to pedestrian safety, comfort, and pleasantness.
The walking component of Statistics Canada's Spatial Access Measures is combined with the MLLM-assessed public-realm quality to construct an accessibility-quality typology. The resulting neighborhood types are then linked to 2021 Census indicators to examine their spatial and socioeconomic distribution.
Street-level examples
Each panorama combines four viewing directions. Scores use a 1–7 scale, from very unwalkable to very walkable.
Waterfront pedestrian path
Pedestrian · Jul. 2025
Overall 6 · Safety 6 · Comfort 6 · Pleasantness 7
Model explanation. The paved paths appear well maintained and comfortably wide, but there is no clear separation between pedestrian areas and other possible path users. Dense hedges along the waterfront partially obstruct visibility and reduce sightlines across portions of the route. The changes between darker asphalt and lighter paved surfaces may create minor visual or navigational ambiguity. Seating is provided, although benches are relatively limited along the visible paths. Otherwise, the landscaped setting, mature trees, lighting, waterfront views, and attractive residential surroundings make this a highly appealing walking environment.
Landscaped urban arterial
Secondary road · May 2024
Overall 5 · Safety 5 · Comfort 5 · Pleasantness 6
Model explanation. The wide, multi-lane arterial carries substantial traffic and creates a potentially uncomfortable crossing environment for pedestrians. Crossings are not consistently visible from every direction, and the long distances across the roadway may increase exposure to vehicles. Sidewalks are present but appear relatively narrow in places, with utility poles and other roadside infrastructure close to the walking path. Some utility boxes and street furnishings are marked with graffiti, which slightly reduces perceived upkeep and comfort. The corridor is generally pleasant because of mature trees and landscaped grass verges, but the roadway remains visually dominant and noisy. Residential and high-rise development is present, yet pedestrian-oriented ground-floor activity appears limited.
Parking and service environment
Service road · Dec. 2020
Overall 3 · Safety 4 · Comfort 3 · Pleasantness 3
Model explanation. The area is dominated by surface parking, drive aisles, and parking-structure walls rather than a clearly defined pedestrian route. Sidewalk provision appears limited or absent along several edges, forcing walkers to share space with vehicles and navigate across parking entrances. Large blank concrete walls and the narrow lane between the structures create an enclosed, visually uninviting environment. The setting may feel somewhat isolated despite good visibility in parts of the lot, and turning or parked vehicles present potential conflicts for pedestrians. The nearby trees and landscaped area provide some visual relief, but most of the environment remains utilitarian and vehicle-oriented.
Divided freeway
Trunk road · May 2024
Overall 1 · Safety 1 · Comfort 1 · Pleasantness 1
Model explanation. The location is a high-speed divided freeway with multiple lanes of traffic and substantial truck and vehicle activity, creating a very unsafe environment for pedestrians. Concrete median barriers and roadway geometry provide no practical pedestrian refuge or safe crossing opportunity. There are no visible sidewalks, pedestrian paths, crosswalks, or connections to nearby destinations. Walking would be highly uncomfortable because of traffic noise, vehicle exhaust, high speeds, and the exposed roadside setting. The surrounding vegetation and industrial-looking areas offer little visual interest or pedestrian-oriented activity, making the environment very unpleasant for walking.
Map preview
The interactive map presents the current MLLM assessment layer together with Metro Vancouver's Urban Containment Boundary. The displayed values are part of an ongoing research workflow and should not be interpreted as final findings.