Event Report: The Moving Across Places Study (MAPS) and the Future of Data-Driven Urban Science
On 23rd June, the Urban Big Data Centre hosted a workshop with Harvey J. Miller, the Reusche Chair in Geographic Information Science and Professor in the Department of Geography at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Harvey's research and teaching focuses on the intersection between geographic information science and transportation science. He is interested in the social dimensions of transportation, and the implications of human mobility and accessibility for sustainable transportation, livable communities and public health. Harvey's main approach to these questions is the development and application of GIS and spatial analytical techniques to extract information from fine-grained mobile objects and spatio-temporal data, which he has discussed in over 100 scientific publications in peer-refereed journals and edited books.
The event started with a welcome and introduction by Professor Piyushimita (Vonu) Thakuriah, Director of the Urban Big Data Centre. Harvey then provided an overview of “The Moving Across Places Study (MAPS): Measuring the Influence of Light Rail Transit and Complete Streets on Physical Activity” where he explained innovative research using GPS and accelerometer data from 537 participants in a quasi-experimental study of physical activity. The MAPS study continues to investigate changes in physical activity and explores disaggregate and spatial effects of a neighbourhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, before and after construction of a light rail line and walkability enhancements.
Following discussion around the MAPS study, Harvey also provided his thoughts on the future of data-driven urban science, where he identified key areas of focus and ignited discussion with workshop participants.
We were very pleased to share this talk with members of the public and look forward to producing related events in the future. If you have suggestions on topics to be covered, please email ubdc@glasgow.ac.uk.