Evaluation of Perm’s large center pedestrian zones segments attractiveness using geographic information technologies

The approaches to studying the attractiveness of pedestrian spaces are proposed, which could in the researchers’ opinion serve as one of the urban environment quality indicators. Based on the authors` methodology with the help of geographic information technologies, an assessment of the attractiveness of Perm’s large center pedestrian spaces’ most consolidated components was carried out. To form an array of the data (attractor objects), open sources were used. Attribute values which enabled analyzing the direct location of attractors were the proximity and belonging to the components of the pedestrian spaces chosen as the subject of the study. As a result of the vector data spatial analysis, noticeable differences in the attractiveness of those places were revealed. Its highest index is typical for the embankment of the Kama. The result is slightly lower near the esplanade and foot zones near the railway station Perm-2. The lowest level was found in the mentioned spaces located near the southern and eastern outskirts of the large center. The authors analyze the features and problems of using publicly available data, propose measures to increase the attractiveness of the central pedestrian spaces of Perm, and conclude that it is necessary to form a unified space to gather and swap information in order to increase the effectiveness of further local studies of the environmental quality