The Feasibility of Information-Entropy-Based Behavioral Analysis for Detecting Environmental Barriers

Bogyeong Lee, Sungjoo Hwang and Hyunsoo Kim
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Bogyeong Lee: Department Architectural Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Korea
Sungjoo Hwang: Department of Architectural and Urban Systems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-Gil, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
Hyunsoo Kim: Department Architectural Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Korea

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: The enhancement of physical activity is highly correlated with the conditions of the built environment. Walking is considered to be a fundamental daily physical activity, which requires an appropriate environment. Therefore, the barriers of the built environment should be identified and addressed. Barriers can act as external stimuli for pedestrians, so pedestrians may diversely respond to them. Based on this consideration, this study examines the feasibility of information-entropy-based behavioral analysis for the detection of environmental barriers. The physical responses of pedestrians were collected using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor in a smartphone. After the acquired data were converted to behavioral probability distributions, the information entropy of each grid cell was calculated. The grid cells whereby the participants indicated that environmental barriers were present yielded relatively high information entropy values. The findings of this study will facilitate the design of more pedestrian-friendly environments and the development of diverse approaches that utilize citizens for monitoring the built environment.

Keywords: walkability; environmental barrier; inertial measurement unit (imu); information entropy; wearable sensing; built environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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