Adaptation and testing of a microscale audit tool to assess liveability using google street view: MAPS-liveability

Claire L Cleland*, Sara Ferguson, Frank Kee, Paul Kelly, Andrew Williams, Glenna Nightingale, Andy Cope, Charlie Foster, Karen Milton, Michael P. Kelly, Ruth G. Jepson, Ruth F Hunter

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Liveability is a complex, multifaceted concept with various definitions, but with an agreed core set of features (e.g., safety, walkability). Typically, liveability is measured at the macro-level (city or regional-level), and has been used in advocacy by local populations. However, micro-level (street-level) liveability measurements could also/alternatively be used to identify modifiable environmental features impacting health and well-being. To date, no micro-level liveability tools exist. This study investigates the reliability and rater agreement of a new micro-level audit tool designed for use with Google Street View (GSV). 
Methods: MAPS-Liveability (GSV), was adapted from the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS). This study had two phases: 1) MAPS-Liveability development (rapid literature review identifying core liveability concepts, focus groups confirming liveability concepts and tool adaptation); 2) reliability investigation (researcher agreement). Assessment was made of: total liveability; nine liveability sub-characteristics (e.g., safety, health); and 12 proxy measures of behaviour including active travel (e.g., bicycle racks, presence of bicycles in racks). Inter-rater reliability and sensitivity to change were assessed by percentage agreement, inter-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Wilcoxon signed-ranked tests (p<0.05). 
Results: Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.905-0.968) for total liveability, parked cars and total number of cars (moving/parked); good (ICC 0.754-0.885) for health, sustainability, places, number of bicycle racks, bicycle rack capacity, number of bicycles in the racks (time-point 2), cyclists (time-point 2), moving cars (time-point 2) and pedestrians; and moderate (ICC 0.550-0.742) for safety, inclusivity, education, traffic/transport, pavements, roads, cyclists (time-point 1), number of bicycles in the racks (time-point 1) and moving cars (time-point 1). 
Conclusion: MAPS-Liveability provides a reliable assessment of micro-level liveability features. MAPS-Liveability has excellent inter-rater reliability for total liveability and moderate-excellent inter-rater reliability for liveability attributes and behavioural indicators. GSV at street-level supports safe, large-scale objective data collection, and collection of historical data where primary data is unavailable.
Original languageEnglish
Article number101226
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Transport & Health
Volume22
Early online date12 Aug 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • liveability
  • MAPS
  • street audit
  • Google Street View
  • reliability
  • sensitivity to change

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