A city is a complex system: all of its elements works together. Indicators are tools to synthesize the city. The spatial indicators are calculated on the top of the territory, making possible to demonstrate social, economics and infrastructure aspects. As indicators are quantitative, they support the comparison of options, help to reach consensus and provide comprehensive, impartial and assertive diagnostics to make the best decisions.
For example, the indicator of Urban Complexity measures simultaneously the diversity and ubiquity of commercial land use. Therefore, it allows to know the balance of uses in the urban land and to evaluate its degree of development. The urban complexity is calculated in squares of 200 x 200 meters on the territory, using a measure of Information Theory: bits of information.
The indicator above represents the Urban Complexity of the city of “Caxias do Sul” – Brazil, as part of a predictive model for real estate appraisals. Data came from Google Places and Open Street Maps.
The indicator on the cover of this post was calculated as part of a work at Biossplena Inteligência Urbana.
More information coming soon!