Resumo:
Brazil has experienced a remarkable process of urbanization, transforming from a predominantly
rural country to a largely urban nation in just 50 years, with approximately 82% of the population
nowliving in urban areas. However, this rapid and often unplanned urbanization has posed complex
challenges to urban mobility and public space accessibility. Key issues include walkability and
accessibility, which are crucial for the quality of pedestrian spaces and the inclusion of people
with disabilities or reduced mobility. These aspects, associated with active mobility, offer benefits
such as reducing vehicle traffic and emissions while promoting social interaction and physical
activity, thereby improving the population’s quality of life.This dissertation proposes an innovative
methodology for mapping urban walkability and accessibility through the use of Street View
Images (SVI). These images enable a detailed analysis of pedestrian infrastructure, facilitating the
identification of obstacles and critical points that limit mobility. The study adapts and applies the
Walkability Index (ICam 2.0) from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP)
in a virtual approach designed to assess the quality of sidewalks and crosswalks, emphasizing
accessibility as an essential component of walkability. This ensures that all individuals, including
those with limited mobility, can safely and independently navigate urban spaces. The adopted
methodology is organized in steps that include defining the study area, selecting walkability
indicators, and collecting data via SVI. On-site validation of virtually obtained results was also
conducted to ensure data reliability. Using SVI allows for the acquisition of detailed visual
information about the urban environment, enabling an assessment of pedestrian infrastructure
quality without the need for physical presence. The study results revealed that the study area has a
walkability index classified as “sufficient,” highlighting the need for medium-term interventions
to improve urban accessibility. Moreover, field validation produced results close to those obtained
through virtual analysis, indicating the efficacy and potential of virtual technical audits with SVI.
The research concludes that applying this method offers a practical, low-cost, and updatable tool
for urban planning, with the potential to provide accurate diagnostics on urban walkability and
accessibility. This approach can support public policies that promote active mobility and social
inclusion, contributing to the development of more walkable and accessible cities for all.
