# Walkability Compass--A Space Syntax Solution for Comparative Studies
### Explaining Walkability with Space Syntax
#### 1.2.1 Space Syntax as Background Theory
An additional indexes are: frequency and variety of buildings, entrances and other sensations along street frontages, transparency, such as the amount of glass in windows and doors, orientation and proximity of homes, structures to observe over the street, plenty of places to go to near the majority of homes (services such as stores, restaurants, bars, theatres, schools, parks or sport centres) [5; 6; 40], hilliness, the presence of bus stops, street lamps, and trees [41], and retail floor area ratio as the ratio of a building's total floor area (gross floor area) to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built [5]. The multitude of spatial indicators reflects the interpretative potential of the space syntax. On the one hand, this potential offers great analytical opportunities; however, on the other hand, it becomes the starting point for the simple index searching that allows us to understand the walkability in its essence, which was the starting point of our research too. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline  & **Case Study 2** & **Case Study 3** & & \\ **Case Study 1** & **Weighted GIS-Based** & **Neighbourhood** & **Case Study 4** \\ **The Prince’s Foundation Space** & **Walkability Index by A. ** & **Walkability Index for** & **Novel Walkability Index by J.C.** & **Dorto Metropliedia Area** & **Index by J.C.** \\ **Syntax Model [5]** & **[PERSON] and** & **[PERSON] [42]** & **by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [16]** & **[PERSON] et al. [17]** \\ \hline Potential of usage or number of users & \multirow{4}{*}{Residential dwelling density} & \multirow{4}{*}{Population density} & \multirow{4}{*}{Residential dwelling density} & \multirow{4}{*}{Residential dwelling density} \\  & & & & \\ \cline{3-3} \cline{5  
Nonetheless, the complementing walkability concept with a visual relation to the building's facades, so architectural and urban design visual qualities, becomes the second focus of our research. Specifically, we selected space syntax indices that explain the visible link between an urban space where the walk takes place and building facades accompanying a passer-by. However, there is still a lack of scientific reports on space syntax visual quality analysis that contributes to walkability research. Therefore, we propose a comparative framework to interpret specific space syntax metrics emphasising walkability visual perception qualities to fill this knowledge gap. The study aims to set up a comparative framework with a limited number of indicators but suitable for city walkability physical and visual quality analysis. We assume that the framework will be based on open spatial data with global coverage. We hypothesise that statistically significant correlations between analysed indices reveal spatial patterns of city walkability, and their synergy, like a compass, points to the strengths and weaknesses. Notably, the research method shifts from the street network analysis (we use it at the model validation stage) and follows mathematical graph centrality calculations proposed by [43; 44]. The approach involves building footprint geometry for space syntax calculation, specifically the Reach (Re) and the Straightness (St) indices, herein used as walkability visual quality explanatory indicators. To make the framework comprehensive, we also provide the Gravity index (Gr) and Population density (PoP) measures (the framework indexes are described in detail in the method section). The study contributes to the walkability research by extending its paradigm to urban form quality, making the critical factor of city sustainability better known at the background of space syntax theory. The research framework contributes to walkability science too. The proposed \"walkability compass\" graphically expresses the synergy between factors shaping walking-friendly urban spaces. The \"compass\" evaluates the agreement between walkability explanatory variables, which we interpret as a synergy of urban design qualities with several walk destinations and inhabitant density.